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FARM  LIFE  SERIES 


THE  FARMER'S  VETERINARIAN 

By  Charles  William  Burkett 

HANDY  FARM  DEVICES  AND  HOW 
TO  MAKE  THEM 

By   ROLFE  COBLEIGH 

MAKING  HORTICULTURE  PAY 

By  M.  G.  Kains 

FARM  CROPS 

By  Charles  William  Burkett 

PROFITABLE  STOCK  RAISING 

By  Clarence  A.  Shamel 

PROFITABLE     POULTRY     PRODUC- 
TION By  M.  G.  Kains 


Other  Volumes  in  Preparation 


^ 


TEe  Farmer's 
Veterinarian 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the   Diseases  of 

r  arm  Stock  l  Containing  Brief  and  Popular  Advice  on 
the  Nature,  Cause  and  Treatment  of  Disease,  the  Common 
Ailments  and  the  Care  and  Management  of  Stock  when  Sick 


By 

CHARLES  WILLIAM  BURKETT 

Editor  of  American  Agriculturist 


ILLUSTRATED 


NEW     YORK 

ORANGE  JUDD  COMPANY 

19  15 

lid 


Copyright,  1909 

Okange  Judd  Company 

New  York 


^  Pbinted  in    U.   S.  a. 


PREFACE 

LARGE  class  of  people,  by  force  of 
circumstances,  are  compelled  to  treat 
their  own  animals  when  sick  or  dis- 
abled. Qualified  veterinarians  are 
not  always  available;  and  all  the 
ills  and  accidents  incident  to  farm 
animals  do  not  require  professional  attendance. 
Furthermore,  the  skilled  stockman  should  be 
familiar  with  common  diseases  and  the  treatment 
of  them.  He  should  remember,  too,  that  the  main- 
tenance of  health  and  vigor  in  our  farm  stock  is 
the  direct  result  of  well-directed  management.  Too 
frequently  this  is  neither  understood  nor  admitted, 
and  an  unreasonable  lack  of  attention,  when 
animals  are  ill  or  indisposed,  works  out  dire  mis- 
chief in  the  presence  of  physical  disorder  and  in- 
fectious diseases.  A  fair  acquaintance  with  the 
common  ailments  is  helpful  to  the  owner  and  to 
his  stock.  This  leads  to  health,  to  prevention  of 
disease,  and  to  skill  in  attendance  when  disease  is 
at  hand. 

The  volume  herewith  presented  abounds  in  help- 
ful suggestions  and  valuable  information  for  the 
most  successful  treatment  of  ills  and  accidents  and 
disease  troubles.  It  is  an  everyday  handbook 
of  disease  and  its  treatment,  and  contains  the  best 
ideas  gathered  from  the  various  authorities  and 
the  experience  of  a  score  of  practical  veterinarians 
in  all  phases  of  veterinary  practice. 

C.  W.  BURKETT. 
New  York,  June,  1909. 


Table  of  Contents 


Introduction              "~ 

Page 

Facing  Disease  on  the  Farm        .         .        v       ^ 

I 

CHAFrER  I. 

How  the  Animal  Body  is  Formed         .         ,        , 

O 

Chafier  II. 

Some  Physiology  You  Ought  to  Know    - 

21 

Chapter  III. 

The  Teeth  as  an  Indication  of  Age 

34 

Chapter  IV. 

Examining  Animals  for  Soundness  and  Health    . 

39 

Chapter  V. 

Wounds  and  Their  Treatment        .... 

54 

Chapter  VI. 

Making  a  Post-Mortem  Examination     . 

62 

Chapter  VII 

Common  Medicines  and  Their  Actions 

69 

Chapter  VIII. 

Meaning  of  Disease 

82 

Chapter  IX. 

Diagnosis  and  Treatment  of  Disease     . 

92 

Chapter  X 

Diseases  of  Farm  Animals 

101 

Til 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


P»g« 

I. 

Health        ....           Frontispiece 

2. 

Common  Sheep  Scab 

3 

3- 

Hog  House  and  Feeding  Floor  . 

;m 

5 

4- 

Poulticing  the  Throat         .        =., 

m 

8 

5- 

How  a  Cell  Divides  .         .        ,. 

IG 

6. 

Bones  of  Skeleton  of  a  Horse    . 

:,, 

16 

7- 

One  of  the  Parasites  of  the  Hog  . 

18 

8. 

Circulation  and  Digestion  . 

22 

9- 

Diseased  Kidney- 

25 

la 

Stomach  of  Ruminant 

t«i 

27 

II. 

Circulation  of  Blood  in  Body 

I.. 

30 

12. 

Lumpy  Jaw  (jaw  bone) 

36 

13- 

Bad  Attitude  Due  to  Conformation 

41 

14. 

Ewe  Neck           .... 

46 

15. 

Anatomy  of  the  Foot 

49 

16. 

Fractures 

54 

17. 

Bandaging  a  Leg 

57 

18. 

Rickets  in  Pig^  .... 

63 

19. 

Round  Worms  in  Hog  Intestines 

66 

20. 

Tetanus  Bacilli  .... 

71 

21. 

Ready  for  the  Drench 

81 

22. 

Bacteria  As  Seen  Under  the  Microscope 

85 

23- 

Result  of  Bone  Spavin 

. 

90 

24. 

Feefing  the  Pulse 

.' 

94 

25. 

How  Heat  Affects  Growth 

. 

96 

26. 

Diseases  of  the  Horse 
Ix 

t»; 

102 

LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


Pftse 

27. 

Lumpy  Jaw  (external  view) 

105 

28. 

Where  to  Tap  in  Bloating  . 

118 

29. 

Bog  Spavin         .... 

122 

30. 

Horse  Bots  in  Stomach      .        ,.. 

124 

31- 

Colic   Pains          .         .  _'     •     '    « 
Retention  of  the  Urine      .-      '». 

.         138 

32. 

141 

33- 

Curb            .         .         ..:..„ 

145 

34- 

Fistulous  Withers      i.'V    .«'       *. 

.         156 

35- 

Foot  Rot  in  Sheep     .         .         . 

160 

36. 

Founder      ....,: 

163 

37- 

Bad  Case  of  Glanders          .         • 

170 

38- 

Ventral   Hernia            .         ..,         • 

180 

39- 

An  Attack  of  Cholera         .         .. 

182 

40. 

The  Result  of  Hog  Cholera          ,         , 

186 

41. 

Kidney  Worms  in  the  Hog          ;,. 

205 

42. 

Liver  Fluke        .         .         .         .., 

207 

43. 

Lockjaw     ....... 

209 

44. 

Lymphangitis      .          .          .         . 

215 

45- 

Natural  Presentation  of  the  Foal 

225 

46. 

Abnormal  Presentation  of  the  Foal 

227 

47- 

Quittor 

235 

48. 

A  Cattle  Bath  Tub     .         .         .         . 

241 

49. 

Side   Bones 

244 

50. 

Splint 

248 

51- 

Twisted  Stomach  Worms  . 

252 

52. 

Tuberculosis  Germs   .         .        :•         • 

264 

INTRODUCTION 
Facing  Disease  on  the  Farm 

To  call  a  veterinarian  or  not — ^that  is  the  ques- 
tion. Whether  your  horse  or  cow  is  sick  enough" 
for  professional  attendance,  or  just  under  the 
weather  a  little,  is  a  problem  you  will  always  be 
called  upon  to  face.  And  you  must  meet  it.  It 
has  always  faced  the  man  who  raises  stock,  and  it 
is  a  problem  that  always  will.  Like  human  beings, 
farm  stock  have  their  ailments  and  troubles;  and, 
in  most  cases,  a  little  care  and  nursing  are  all  that 
will  be  required.  With  these  troubles  all  of  us  are 
acquainted ;  especially  those  who  have  spent  much 
time  with  the  flocks  and  the  herds  on  the  farm. 
Through  experience  we  know  that  often  with  every 
reasonable  care,  some  animals,  frequently  the 
healthiest-looking  ones,  in  the  field,  or  stable,  give 
fpouble  at  the  most  unsuspected  times.  So  the 
SAult  is  not  always  with  the  owner. 

There  is  no  reason,  however,  why  an  effort  should 
not  be  made,  just  as  soon  as  any  trouble  is  noticed, 
to  assist  the  sick  animal  to  recover,  and  help 
nature  in  every  way  possible  to  restore  the  invalid 
to  its  usual  normal  condition.  The  average  observ- 
ing farmer,  as  a  rule,  knows  just  about  what  the 
trouble  is ;  he  usually  knows  if  treatment  is  beyond 
him,  and  if  not,  what  simple  medical  aid  will  be 
effective  in  bringing  about  a  recovery  with  greatec 
dispatch  than  nature  unaided  will  effect. 

Now,  of  course,  this  means  that  the  farmer 
should  be  acquainted  with  his  animals;  in  health 
and  disease  their  actions  should  be  familiar  to  him. 


2  THE  FAKMER  S  VETEKINAKIAN 

If  he  be  a  master  of  his  business  he  naturally 
knows  a  great  deal  about  his  farm  stock.  No  man 
who  grows  corn  or  wheat  ever  raises  either  crop 
extremely  successfully  unless  he  has  an  intimate 
knowledge  of  the  soil,  the  seed,  the  details  of  fer- 
tilization and  culture.  He  has  learned  how  good 
soils  look,  how  bad  soils  look;  he  knows  if  soils 
are  healthy,  whether  they  are  capable  of  producing 
big  crops  or  little  crops. 

So  with  his  stock.  He  must  know,  and  he  does 
know,  something  as  to  their  state  of  health  or  ill 
health.  With  steady  observation  his  knowledge 
will  increase;  and  with  experience  he  ought  to  be 
able  to  diagnose  the  common  ailments,  and  not 
only  prescribe  for  their  treatment,  but  actually  treat 
many  of  them  himself.  Unfortunately,  many  farm- 
ers pass  health  along  too  lightly  and  the  common 
disorders  too  seriously.  This  is  wrong.  The  man 
who  deals  with  farm  animals  should  be  well 
acquainted  with  them,  just  as  the  engineer  is  ac- 
quainted with  his  engine.  If  an  engine  goes  wrong 
the  engineer  endeavors  to  ascertain  the  trouble.  If 
it  is  beyond  his  experience  and  knowledge  he  turns 
the  problem  over  to  an  expert.  It  should  be  so 
with  the  stock  raiser.  So  familiar  should  the  owner 
be  with  his  animals  in  case  of  trouble  he  ought 
to  know  of  some  helpful  remedy  or  to  know  that 
the  trouble  is  more  serious  than  ordinary,  in  which 
case  the  veterinarian  should  be  called. 

All  of  this  means  that  the  art  of  observing  the 
simple  functions  should  be  acquired  at  the  earliest 
possible  moment — ^where  to  find  the  pulse  of  horse 
or  cow,  how  many  heart  beats  in  a  minute,  how 
many  respirations  a  minute,  the  color  of  the  healthy 
nostril,  the  use  of  the  thermometer  and  where  to 
place  it  to  get  the  information,  the  character  of  the 


INTRODUCTION 


eye,  the  nature  of  the  coat,  the  passage  of  dung  and 
water,  how  the  animal  swallows,  the  attitude  when 
standing,  the  habit  of  lying  down  and  getting  up- 
all  of  these  should  be  as  familiar  to  the  true  stock- 
man as  the  simplest  details  of  tillage  or  of  planting 
or  of  harvesting. 

Moreover,  the  stockman  should  be  a  judge  of 
external  characters,  whether  natural  or  temporary. 


COMMON    SHEEP    SCAB 

Here  Is  an  advanced  case  and  shows  how  serious  the 
trouble  may  become.  A  very  small  itch  mite  is  the  cause.  The 
mites  live  and  multiply  under  the  scurf  and  scab  of  the  skin. 

He  should  have  a  knowledge  of  animal  conforma- 
tion. If  to  know  a  good  plow  is  desirable,  then  to 
know  a  good  pastern  or^^foot^^is;  desirable.  If  the 
art  of  selecting  wheat  is  a  worthy  acquisition,  then 
the  art  of  comparing  hocks  of  different  horses  is  a' 
worthy  accomplishment  also.  If  experience  tells 
the  grower  that  his  corn  or  potatoes  or  cotton  is 
strong,  vigorous  and  healthy  or  J  ustL  the!  reverse. 


4  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

observation  and  experience  ought  also  to  tell  him 
when  his  stock  are  in  good  health  or  when  they 
lack  thrift  or  are  sick  and  need  treatment 

LEARN  TO  RECOGNIZE  ANIMAL  DISEASES 

Few  farmers  there  are,  indeed,  who  are  not 
acquainted  with  crop  diseases.  Smut  is  readily 
recognized  when  present  in  the  wheat  or  corn  or 
oat  field;  so  colic,  too,  should  be  recognized  when 
your  horse  is  affected  by  it.  The  peach  and  the 
apple  have  their  common  ailments;  so  have  the 
cow  and  pig.  In  either  case  the  facts  ought  to  be 
familiar.  So  familiar  that  as  soon  as  diagnosed 
and  recognized  prompt  measures  for  treatment 
should  be  followed  that  the  cure  may  be  effected 
before  any  particular  headway  is  at  all  made. 
Handled  in  this  way,  many  cases  that  are  now 
passed  on  to  the  veterinarian  would  never  develop 
into  serious  disturbances  at  all. 

PREVENTION  BETTER  THAN  CURE 

The  old  saying,  "  Prevention  is  better  than  cure," 
is  both  wisdom  and  a  splendid  platform  on  which 
to  build  any  branch  of  live  stock  work.  Every  dis- 
ease is  the  result  of  some  disturbance,  somewhere. 
It  may  be  improper  food ;  the  stockman  must  know. 
Moldy  fodder  causes  nervous  troubles  in  the  horse. 
Cottonseed  meal,  if  fed  continuously  to  pigs,  leads 
to  their  death.  Hence,  food  has  much  to  do  with 
health  and  disease.  Ventilation  of  the  stable  plays 
its  part.  Bad  air  leads  to  weakness,  favors  tuber- 
culosis, and,  if  not  remedied,  brings  about  loss  and 
death.  Fresh  air  in  abundance  is  better  than  med- 
icine ;  and  the  careful  stockman  will  see  that  it  be 
not  deaied. 


INTRODUCTION  5 

Good  sanitation,  including  cleanly  quarters, 
wholesome  water  and  dry  stables,  has  its  reward  in 
more  healthy  animals.  When  not  provided,  the 
animals  are  frequently  ill,  or  are  in  bad  health  more 
or  less.  As  these  factors — proper  food,  good  ven- 
tilation, and  effective  sanitation — are  introduced  in 
stable  accommodations,  diseases  will  be  lessened 
and  stock  profits  will  increase. 


HOG  HOUSE  AND   FEEDING  FLOOR 

This  convenient  hog  house  Is  inexpensive,  and  the  feed- 
ing floor  at  the  side  insures  cleanliness  and  thorough  sani- 
tary conditions.  A  sanitary  hog  house  should  be  one  of  the 
chief  improvements  of  the  farm. 


DISINFECT      FREQUENTLY;       IT      NEVER 

HURTS  AND   IT   MAY  DO  A  WORLD 

OF  GOOD 

As  disease  is  better  understood  it  becomes  more 
closely  identified  with  germs  and  bacteria.  Hence, 
to  lessen  disease  we  must  destroy,  so  far  as  pos- 
sible, the  disease-producing  germs.  For  this 
purpose  nothing  is  better  than  sunlight  and  disin- 
fectants. Sunlight  is  itself  death  to  all  germs; 
therefore,  all  stables,  and  the  living  quarters  for  farm 
animals,  should  be  light  and  airy,  and  free  from 
damp  corners  and  lodgment  places  for  dust,  ver- 
min, and  bacteria.     Even  when  animals  are  in  good 


O"'  THE   FARMER  S   VETERINARIAN 

health,  disinfection  is  a  splendid  means  for  ward- 
ing off  disease.  For  sometimes  with  the  greatest 
care  germs  are  admitted  in  some  manner  or  form. 
By  constantly  disinfecting,  the  likelihood  of  any 
encroachment  by  germs  is  greatly  lessened. 

Fortunately  we  have  disinfectants  that  are  easily 
applied  and  easily  obtained  at  small  cost.  One  of 
these  disinfecting  materials  is  lime,  just  ordinary 
slaked  lime,  the  lime  that  every  farmer  knows. 
While  it  does  not  possess  the  disinfecting  power 
of  many  other  agents,  it  is,  nevertheless,  very  de- 
sirable for  sprinkling  about  stables  and  for  white- 
washing floors,  walls,  and  partitions.  When  so 
used  the  cracks  and  holes  are  filled  and  the  germs 
destroyed.  Ordinary  farm  stables  should  be  white- 
washed once  or  twice  each  year,  and  the  crumbled 
lime  sprinkled  on  the  litter  or  open  ground.  It  is 
not  desirable  to  use  lime  with  bedding  and  manure, 
for  the  reason  that  it  liberates  the  nitrogen  con- 
tained therein.  Hence  the  bedding  and  manure 
should  be  removed  to  the  fields  as  frequently  as 
possible,  where  it  can  be  more  helpful  to  the  land. 
Thus  scattered,  the  sunlight  and  purifying  effects 
of  the  soil  will  soon  destroy  the  disease  bacteria, 
if  any  are  present  in  the  manure. 

Another  splendid  disinfectant  is  corrosive  sub- 
limate, mercuric  chloride,  as  it  is  often  called.  Use 
one  ounce  in  eight  gallons  of  water.  This  makes 
one-tenth  of  one  per  cent  solution.  In  preparing 
this  disinfectant,  allow  the  material  to  stand  for 
several  hours,  so  as  to  permit  the  chemical  to  be- 
come entirely  dissolved.  This  solution  should  be 
carefully  guarded  and  protected,  since  it  is  a  poison 
and,  if  drunk  by  animals,  is  liable  to  cause  death. 
If  infected  quarters  are  to  be  disinfected,  see  that 


INTRODUCTION  7 

the  loose  dirt  and  litter  is  first  removed  before 
applying  the  sublimate. 

Carbolic  acid  is  another  satisfactory  disinfectant. 
Usually  a  five  per  cent  solution  is  recommended. 
It  can  be  easily  applied  to  mangers,  stalls,  and  feed 
boxes.  Enough  should  be  applied  so  that  the  wood 
or  iron  is  made  wet  and  the  cracks  and  holes  more 
or  less  filled.  Chloride  of  lime  is  a  cheap  and  an 
easily  prepared  disinfectant.  Use  ten  ounces  of 
chloride  of  lime  to  two  gallons  of  water.  This 
makes  a  four  per  cent  solution,  and  should  be  ap- 
plied in  the  same  way  as  the  corrosive  sublimate. 

Formalin  has  come  into  prominence  very  recently 
as  a  desirable  disinfectant.  A  five  per  cent  solu- 
tion fills  the  bill.  Floors  and  cracks  should  be 
made  thoroughly  wet  with  it.  By  using  one  or 
more  of  these  agents  the  living  quarters  of  farm 
animals  can  be  kept  wholesome,  sweet,  and  free 
from  germ  diseases.  In  fact,  the  use  of  disinfect- 
ants is  one  of  the  best  aids  of  the  farmer  in  warding 
off  disease  and  in  lessening  its  effects  when  once 
present. 

PUT  SICK  ANIMALS  OFF  BY  THEMSELVES 

Many  diseases  are  introduced  into  a  herd  or  flock 
by  thoughtlessness  on  the  part  of  the  owner.  I 
have  known  distemper  to  be  introduced  into  stables 
and  among  horses,  Texas  fever  and  tuberculosis 
into  herds  of  cattle,  and  hog  cholera  among  hogs, 
because  diseased  animals,  when  purchased,  were 
not  separated  off  by  themselves,  for  a  short  time  at 
least.  If  this  were  done,  farmers  would  lessen  the 
chance  of  an  introduction  of  disease  into  their 
healthy  herds.  Consequently  quarantine  quarters 
should  be  provided;   especially  is  this  true  if  new 


8 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


animals  are  frequently  purchased  and  brought 
to  the  farm  where  many  animals  are  raised 
and  handled.  These  quarantine  quarters  need  not 
be  expensive,  and  they  ought  to  be  removed  far 
enough  from  the  farm  stock  so  that  there  may  be 
no  easy  means  of  infection.  When  newly  pur- 
chased animals  are  placed  in  the  quarantine  quar- 
ters they  should  be  kept  there  long  enough  to 
determine  if  anything  strange  or  unusual  is  taking 
place. 


POULTICING  THE  THROAT 
The  picture  shows  how  to  apply  a  poultice  to  the  throat. 


CHAPTER  I 
How  the  Animal  Body  is  Formed 

The  cell  is  the  unit  of  growth.  It  is  so  with  all 
forms  of  life — plant  or  animal,  insect  or  bacterium. 
In  the  beginning  the  start  is  with  a  single  cell,  an 
^SS>  if  you  please.  After  fertilization  has  taken 
place,  this  single  cell  enlarges  or  grows.  Many 
changes  now  occur,  all  rather  rapidly,  until  the  cell 
walls  become  too  small,  when  it  breaks  apart  and 
forms  two  cells  just  like  the  first  used  to  be.  This 
is  known  as  cell  division.  As  growth  increases,  the 
number  of  cells  increases  also — until  in  the  end 
there  are  millions. 

Nature  of  the  Cell. — The  cell  is  very  small.  In 
most  cases  it  cannot  be  seen  with  the  naked  eye. 
The  microscope  is  necessary  for  a  study  of  the 
parts,  the  nature  and  the  character  of  the  cell. 

In  the  first  place  the  cell  is  a  kind  of  inclosed 
sac,  in  which  are  found  the  elements  of  growth 
and  life.  Surrounding  the  cell  is  a  thin  wall  knowm 
as  the  cell  membrane.  In  plants  this  cell  wall  is 
composed  of  cellulose,  a  woody  substance,  which 
is  thin  and  tender  in  green  and  growing  plants,  but 
hard  and  woody  when  the  plant  is  mature. 

Within  the  limits  of  the  cell  is  the  protoplasm, 
the  chief  constituent  of  the  cell;  locked  up  in  this 
protoplasm  is  life,  the  vital  processes  that  have  to 
do  with  growth,  development,  individual  existence. 

Embedded  within  the  protoplasm  is  another  part 
known  as  the  nucleus  and  recogfnized  under  the 
microscope  by  its  density.    Around  the  nucleus  is 

9 


10 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


centered  the  development  of  new  cells  or  reproduc- 
tion—^for  the  changes  that  convert  the  mother-cell 
into  offspring-cells  are  first  noted  in  this  place. 

So  much  for  plant  cells.     Is  this  principle  dif- 
ferent in  animals?     For  a  long  time  it  was  thought 


HOW   A    CELL   DIVIDES 

The  simple  steps  In  cell  division  are  pictured  here.  Start- 
ing with  a  single  cell,  growth  and  enlargement  take  place, 
ending  finally  in  cell  division  or  the  production  of  two 
individual  cells. 


that  plants  and  animals  were  different.  But  upon 
investigation  it  was  discovered  that  animals  were 
comprised  of  cells  Just  as  plants.  And  not  only 
was  this  discovered  to  be  true,  but  also  that  animal 
cells  corresponded  in  all  respects  to  plant  cells. 
Hence  in  animals  are  to  be  found  cells  possessing 
the  cell  walls  formed  of  a  rather  thick  membrane, 
the  granular  protoplasm  or  yoke,  and  the  nucleus 
established  in  the  yoke. 


HOW    THE    ANIMAL    BODY    IS    FORMED  II 

The  ovum,  known  as  the  female  egg,  is  composed 
of  the  parts  just  described.  If  it  is  not  fertilized 
when  ripe  it  passes  away  and  dies.  If  fertilized  in 
a  natural  way,  it  enlarges  in  size  and  subsequently 
divides  into  two  cells;  and  these,  passing  through 
similar  changes,  finally  give  rise  to  the  various 
groups  of  cells  from  which  the  body  is  developed. 

The  Animal  Body  a  Group  Collection. — The  body 
is,  therefore,  a  mass  of  cells ;  not  all  alike,  of  course, 
but  grouped  together  for  the  purpose  of  doing  cer- 
tain special  kinds  of  work.  In  this  way  we  have 
various  groups,  with  each  group  a  community  per- 
forming its  own  function.  The  brain  forms  one 
community;  and  these  cells  are  concerned  with 
mind  acts.  The  muscle  cells  are  busy  in  exerting 
force  and  action.  Another  group  looks  after  the 
secretions  and  digestive  functions,  while  another 
group  is  concerned  solely  with  the  function  of 
generation  and  reproduction.  And  so  it  is  through- 
out the  body. 

Both  individual  cells  and  group  cells  are  con- 
cerned with  disease.  One  cell  may  be  diseased  or 
destroyed,  but  the  surrounding  ones  may  go  on  just 
the  same.  It  is  when  the  group  is  disturbed  that 
the  greatest  trouble  results. 

A  Word  About  the  Cells. — The  cell  always  pos- 
sesses its  three  parts — membrane,  protoplasm,  and 
nucleus.  But  there  is  no  rule  as  to  the  size  or 
shape.  Cells  may  be  round  or  oblong,  any  shape. 
Substances  pass  in  and  out  of  the  cell  walls;  and 
they  are  in  motion,  many  of  them,  especially  those 
that  line  the  intestines  and  the  air  passages,  and 
the  white  corpuscles  of  the  blood.  More  than  this, 
some  cells.  Dr.  Jekyl-like,  change  their  appearance 
and   shape,   send   out   finger-like   bodies   to   catch 


12  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

enemies  or  food,  and  even  travel  all  around  in  the 
body,  often  leaving  it  altogether. 

BODY  TISSUES 

The  animal  body  contains  five  forms  of  tissues: 
Epithelial,  in  which  the  cells  are  very  compact, 
forming  either  thin  or  thick  plates;  the  connective 
tissue,  by  which  many  organs  are  supported  or 
embedded ;  muscle  tissue,  either  smooth  or  striated, 
and  in  which  the  cells  are  in  fibers  that  contract 
and  shorten ;  nerve-tissue,  that  has  to  do  with  nerve 
and  ganglion  cells  by  which  mental  impulses  are 
sent;  and  blood  and  lymph  tissue  or  fluid  tissues. 

The  first  group  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
secretory  organs,  or  those  organs  which  secrete 
certain  substances  essential  for  the  proper  work  of 
the  body.  Thus  we  have  salivary  glands,  mucous 
glands,  sweat  glands,  and  the  liver  and  pancreas. 
Connective  tissue  includes  fibrous  tissue,  fatty  tis- 
sue, cartilage  and  bone.  The  fibrous  connective 
tissue  is  illustrated  when  the  skin  is  easily  picked 
up  in  folds.  Fatty  tissue  occurs  where  large 
amounts  of  fat  are  deposited  in  the  cells.  Cartilage 
is  found  where  a  large  amount  of  firm  support  is 
required.  With  muscle  we  are  all  familiar";  it  is 
the  real  lean  meat  of  the  body. 

Blood  and  Lymph. — The  blood  is  a  fluid  in 
which  many  cells  are  to  be  found.  The  fluid  is 
known  as  serum  or  blood-plasma  and  the  cells  as 
corpuscles,  and  are  both  red  and  white.  The  red 
cells  give  the  characteristic  color.  When  observed 
under  a  microscope,  they  appear  as  small,  round 
disks.  They  are  of  great  importance  to  the  body 
work.  Because  of  the  coloring  matter  in  them  the 
oxygen  of  the  air  is  attracted  when  it  comes   in 


HOW    THE    ANIMAL    BODY    IS    FORMED  1 3 

contact  with  the  blood  in  the  lungs.  Oxygen  is  in 
reality  absorbed,  and  on  the  blood  leaving  the  lungs 
it  is  distributed  to  all  parts  of  the  body.  The  oxy- 
gen supply  of  the  body  is,  therefore,  in  the  keeping 
of  the  red  corpuscles. 

White  corpuscles  have  a  different  work;  they 
guard  the  body  by  picking  up  poison,  bacteria,  and 
other  undesirable  elements  and  cast  these  out 
through  the  natural  openings  of  the  body.  Com- 
pared with  the  red  cells,  they  exist  in  far  less  num- 
bers and  may  wander  about  through  all  parts  of 
the  body. 

Lymph  is  a  fluid  in  which  a  few  cells,  lymph 
corpuscles,  are  suspended.  These  cells  are  very 
much  like  the  colorless  corpuscles  of  the  blood, 
only  no  red  blood  cells  are  present.  But  the  lymph 
attends  to  its  own  business;  it  bathes  the  tissues 
and  endeavors  to  keep  them  in  a  healthy  condition. 

Skin  and  Hair. — Without  a  covering  the  delicate 
muscles  would  be  unprotected.  The  skin  serves  in 
this  capacity.  It  does  still  more;  out  of  it  is 
exuded  poisonous  substances,  perspiration,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  the  skin  is  a  sort  of  respiratory 
organ,  through  which  much  of  the  carbonic  acid 
formed  in  the  body  escapes. 

The  skin  possesses  two  general  layers,  the  cutis 
and  sub-cutis;  in  the  first  is  contained  also 
epidermis.  Developed  in  the  skin  are  the  outer 
coverings  like  hair,  wool,  feathers,  horns,  claws, 
and  hoofs. 

THE  FRAMEWORK  OF  THE  BODY 

The  framework  of  the  body  undergoes  a  gradual 
development  from  birth  to  maturity.  It  represents 
the  bony  structure  of  the  body ;  and  on  it  all  other 


14  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

parts  depend  for  support  and  protection.  The 
brief  summary  of  its  parts  and  work  that  follows 
here  has  been  adapted  from  Wilcox  and  Smith. 

The  Skeleton. — This  consists  of  a  backbone, 
skull,  shoulder  girdle,  pelvic  girdle,  and  two  pairs 
of  appendages.  The  backbone  may  be  conven- 
iently divided  into  regions,  each  comprising  a  cer- 
tain number  of  vertebrae.  The  cervical  vertebrae 
include  those  from  the  skull  from  the  first  rib.  In 
all  mammals  except  the  sloth  and  sea  cow  the  num- 
ber of  cervical  vertebrae  is  seven,  being  long  or 
short,  according  as  the  neck  of  the  animal  is  rela- 
tively long  or  short.  The  first  and  second  cervical 
vertebrae,  known  as  the  atlas  and  axis,  are  especially 
modified  so  as  to  allow  free  turning  movements  of 
the  head. 

The  next  region  includes  the  dorsal  or  thoracic 
vertebrae,  which  are  characterized  by  having  ribs 
movably  articulated  with  them.  The  number  is  13 
in  the  cat,  dog,  ox,  sheep,  and  goat;  14  in  the 
hog;  18  or  19  in  the  horse  and  ass,  and  six  or  seven 
in  domestic  poultry.  In  mammals  they  are  so 
joined  together  as  to  permit  motion  in  several  direc- 
tions, but  in  poultry  the  dorsal  vertebrae  are  more 
rigidly  articulated,  those  next  to  the  sacrum  often 
being  grown  together  with  the  sacrum.  The 
spines  are  high  and  much  flattened  in  all  ungulates, 
long  and  slender  in  dogs  and  cats.  They  slope  back- 
ward, forming  strong  points  of  attachment  for  the 
back  muscles.  Several  ribs,  varying  in  number  in 
different  animals,  meet  and  become  articulated  with 
the  breast  bone  or  sternum.  The  sternum  consists 
of  seven  to  nine  articulated  segments  in  our  domes- 
tic mammals,  while  in  fowls  the  sternum  is  one 
thin  high  bone  furnished  with  a  keel  of  varying 
depth.    The  lumbar  vertebrae  lie  between  the  dorsal 


HOW    THE    ANIMAL    BODY    IS    FORMED  1$ 

vertebrae  and  the  sacrum.  The  number  is  five  in  the 
horse,  six  in  the  hog,  ox  and  goat,  and  seven  in  the 
sheep.  The  sacrum  is  made  up  of  a  certain  num- 
ber of  vertebrae,  which  are  rigidly  united  and 
serve  as  an  articulation  for  the  pelvic  arch.  The 
number  of  sacral  vertebrae  is  five  in  the  ox  and 
horse,  four  in  sheep  and  hogs,  and  12  to  17  in  birds. 
The  caudal  or  tail  vertebrae  naturally  vary  in  num- 
ber according  to  the  length  of  the  tail  (7  to  10  in 
sheep,  21  in  the  ox,  23  in  hogs,  17  in  the  horse,  22 
in  the  cat,  16  to  23  in  the  dog). 

In  ungulates  the  anterior  ribs  are  scarcely  curved, 
the  chest  being  very  narrow  in  front.  The  number 
of  pairs  of  ribs  is  the  same  as  the  number  of  dorsal 
vertebrae  with  which  they  articulate. 

The  Skull. — This  part  of  the  skeleton  is  really 
composed  of  a  number  of  modified  vertebrae,  just 
how  many  is  not  determined.  The  difference  in  the 
shape  of  the  skulls  of  diTferent  animals  is  deter- 
mined by  the  relative  size  of  the  various  bones  of 
the  skull.  In  hogs,  for  example,  the  head  has  been 
much  shortened  as  a  result  of  breeding,  thus  giving 
the  skull  of  the  improved  breeds  a  very  different 
appearance  from  that  of  the  razorback. 

The  shoulder  girdle  consists  of  a  shoulder  blade, 
collar  bone  and  coracoid  on  either  side.  The  fore 
leg  (or  wing,  in  case  of  birds)  articulates  with  the 
socket  formed  by  the  junction  of  these  three  bones. 
In  all  the  ungulates  the  shoulder  blade  is  high  and 
narrow,  the  coracoid  is  never  much  developed,  and 
the  collar  bone  is  absent.  In  fowls  all  three  bones 
of  the  shoulder  girdle  are  well  developed,  the  collar 
bone  being  represented  by  the  "  wish  bone." 

The  Pelvic  Girdle. — This  consists  of  three  bones 
on  either  side,  viz.,  ilium,  ischium,  and  pubis.  The 
first    two    are    directly    articulated    to    the    spinal 


I6 


THE  FARMER'S  VETERINARIAIC 


A   VICTIM    OF   TUBERCULOSIS 


This  cow,  reacting  to  the  tubercular  test,  was  killed.  The 
bottom  picture  shows  the  extent  to  which  tuberculosis  had 
affected  her  lungs.  At  least  ten  per  cent  of  the  cattle  in  the 
United  States  have  this  dreaded  and  destructive  disease. 


Up 

2  MmMI 

8  Foreh««d 

4  Poll 

6  Chwk 

6  Ear 

7  nana 

8  NMk 

9  Shouldtr 

10  Point  o<  Shoulder 

11  Brtait 

15  Forearm 

13  Arm 

14  Kan 

16  Gannon 
18  Fktiock 

17  Pastern 

18  Foot 

19  WIthera 

20  Back 

21  Side 

22  UnderUae 
28  Flank 

24  Croup 

25  Tall 

26  Uaunoh 

27  Thigh 

28  Stifle 
i«  Hook 

30  Point  of  Hook 

31  Cannon 

82  Foot 

83  Coronet 

84  FeUook 
36  Paitem 


EXTERIOR    POINTS    OF    THE    HORSE 


CASTRATION 


HOW    THE    ANIMAL    BODY    IS    FORMED  \'J 

column,  while  the  pubic  bones  of  either  side  unite 
below  to  complete  the  arch.  The  three  bones  of 
each  side  of  the  pelvis  are  present  in  all  our 
domestic  animals,  including  the  fowls. 

Legbones  of  Farm  Animals. — There  is  one 
formula  for  the  bones  of  the  fore  and  hind  legs  of 
farm  animals.  The  first  segment  is  a  single  bone, 
the  humerus  of  the  fore  leg,  femur  of  the  hind  leg. 
In  the  next  segment  there  are  two  bones,  radius 
and  ulna  in  the  fore  leg,  tibia  and  fibula  in  the  hind 
leg.  In  the  dog,  cat,  and  Belgian  hare  the  radius 
and  ulna  are  both  well  developed  and  distinct.  In 
ungulates  the  humerus  is  short  and  stout,  while 
the  ulna  is  complete  in  the  pig,  rudimentary  and 
behind  the  radius  in  ruminants  and  firmly  united 
with  the  radius  in  the  horse.  Similarly  with  the 
hind  leg  the  fibula  is  a  complete  bone  in  the  pig, 
while  in  the  horse  there  is  merely  a  rudiment  of  it, 
attached  to  the  tibia. 

Feet. — The  mammalian  skeleton  has  undergone 
the  greatest  modification  in  the  bones  of  the  feet. 
In  the  horse  there  are  only  six  of  the  original  ten 
wrist  or  carpal  bones,  and,  since  there  is  but  one 
of  the  original  five  toes,  the  horse  has  also  but  one 
metacarpal  or  cannon  bone.  Splint-like  rudiments 
of  two  other  metacarpal  bones  are  to  be  found  at 
the  upper  end  of  the  cannon  bone,  or  at  the  "  knee  " 
joint.  Below  the  cannon  bone,  and  forming  the 
shaft  of  the  foot,  we  have  the  small  cannon  bone, 
coronary  bone,  and  coffin  bone — the  last  being 
within  the  hoof  with  the  navicular  bone  behind  it. 
The  stifle  joint  of  the  horse  corresponds  to  the  knee 
of  man.  The  "  knee  "  of  the  horse's  fore  leg  cor- 
responds to  the  hock  of  the  hind  leg,  both  being  at 
the  upper  end  of  the  cannon  bone.  The  fetlock 
joint  is  between  the  large  and  small  cannon  bones. 


i8  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

the  pastern  joint  between  the  small  cannon  or  large 
pastern  bones,  and  the  coffin  joint  between  the 
coronary  and  coffin  bones.  The  horse  walks  upon 
what  corresponds  to  the  nail  of  the  middle  finger 
and  middle  toe  of  man. 

In  pigs  four  digits  touch  the  ground,  the  first 
being  absent  and  the  third  and  fourth  larger  and  in 
front  of  the  second  and  fifth.  In  ruminants  the 
third  and  fourth  digits  reach  the  ground,  while  the 
second  and  fifth  do  not.  In  dogs  the  first  digit 
appears  on  the  side  of  the  leg,  not  in  contact  with 
the  ground. 


ONE   OF  THE   PARASITES  OF  THE  HOG 

The  thorn-headed  worm  attached  to  the  anterior  part 
of  the  small  Intestine  often  causes  death.  Not  more  than 
five  or  six  are  usually  found  In  a  single  animal. 

In  fowls  the  wing,  which  corresponds  to  the  fore 
leg  of  mammals,  shows  a  well-developed  humerus, 
radius  and  ulna,  while  only  one  carpal  and  one 
metacarpal  bone  remain,  along  which  the  wing 
feathers  are  attached.  In  the  leg  the  femur  and 
tibia  are  strong  bones,  but  the  fibula  is  a  mere 
splint.  The  tarsal  bones  are  absent,  while  the 
shank  consists  of  a  metatarsal  bone  (really  three 
bones  fused  together),  to  which  the  four  toes  are 
articulated. 


HOW    THE    ANIMAL    BODY    IS    FORMED  I9 

The  Muscular  System  of  Farm  Animals. — The 
muscular  system  is  too  elaborate,  the  number  of 
muscles  too  great,  and  their  modifications  for  dif- 
ferent purposes  too  complex  for  consideration  in 
detail  in  the  present  volume.  All  muscles  are 
either  striped  or  unstriped  (as  examined  under  the 
microscope),  according  as  they  are  under  the  im- 
mediate control  of  the  will  or  not.  The  heart 
muscle  forms  an  exception,  for  it  is  striped  though 
involuntary.  The  essential  characteristic  of  muscle 
fibers  is  contractility,  which  they  possess  in  high 
degree.  The  typical  striped  muscles  are  concerned 
in  locomotion,  being  attached  at  either  end  to  a 
bone  and  extending  across  some  movable  joint. 
The  most  important  unstriped  muscles  are  found  in 
the  walls  of  the  intestines  and  blood  vessels. 

The  Nervous  System. — In  so  far  as  our  present 
purposes  are  concerned,  the  nervous  system  may 
be  disposed  of  in  a  few  words.  The  central  nerv- 
ous system  consists  of  a  brain  and  spinal  cord. 
The  microscopic  elements  of  this  tissue  are  pecu- 
liarly modified  cells,  consisting  of  a  central  body, 
from  which  fibers  run  in  two  or  more  directions. 
The  cell  bodies  constitute  the  gray  matter,  and  the 
fibers  the  white  matter  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 
The  gray  substance  is  inside  the  spinal  cord  and  on 
the  surface  of  the  brain,  constituting  the  cortex. 
The  most  important  parts  of  the  brain  are  the 
cerebrum,  optic  lobes,  cerebellum,  and  medulla. 
There  are  twelve  pairs  of  cranial  nerves  originat- 
ing in  the  brain  and  controlling  the  special  senses, 
movements  of  the  face,  respiration,  and  pulse  rate. 
From  each  segment  of  the  spinal  cord  a  pair  of 
spinal  nerves  arises,  each  of  which  possess  both 
sensory  and  motor  roots.  The  sympathetic  nervous 
system  consists  of  a  trunk  on  either  side,  running 


20  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

from  the  base  of  the  skull  to  the  pelvis,  furnished 
with  ganglionic  enlargements  and  connected  with 
the  spinal  nerves  by  small  fibers. 

The  Respiratory  Organs. — These  include  the 
nose,  larynx,  trachea  or  windpipe,  and  lungs.  The 
trachea  forks  into  bronchi  and  bronchioles  of 
smaller  and  smaller  size,  ending  in  the  alveoli 
or  blind  sacs  of  the  lungs.  In  fowls  there  are 
numerous  extensions  of  the  respiratory  system 
known  as  air  sacs,  and  located  in  the  body 
cavity  and  also  in  the  hollow  bones.  The  air  sacs 
communicate  with  the  lungs,  but  not  with  one  an- 
other. 

The  Urinary  Organs. — These  consist  of  kidneys 
connecting  by  means  of  ureters  with  a  bladder  from 
which  the  urethra  conducts  the  urine  to  the  out- 
side. In  the  male  the  urethra  passes  through  the 
penis  and  in  the  female  it  ends  just  above  the 
opening  of  the  vagina.  The  kidneys  are  usually 
inclosed  in  a  capsule  of  fat.  The  right  kidney  of 
the  horse  is  heart-shaped,  the  left  bean-shaped. 
Each  kidney  of  the  ox  shows  15  to  20  lobes,  and  is 
oval  in  form.  The  kidneys  of  sheep,  goats,  and 
swine  are  bean-shaped  and  without  lobes. 

The  Reproductive  Apparatus. — This  consists  of 
ovaries,  oviducts,  uterus  or  womb,  and  vagina  in 
the  female;  the  testes,  spermatic  cords,  seminal 
vesicle  and  penis,  together  with  various  connecting 
glands,  especially  prostate  gland  and  Cowper's 
gland,  in  the  male.  In  fowls  there  is  no  urinary 
bladder,  but  the  ureters  open  into  the  cloaca  or 
posterior  part  of  the  rectum.  The  vagina  and 
uterus  are  also  wanting  in  fowls,  the  oviducts  open- 
ing directly  into  the  rectum.  The  male  copulating 
organ  is  absent  except  in  ducks,  geese,  swan,  and 
the  ostrich. 


CHAPTER  II 

Some  Physiology  You  Ought  to  Know 

A  close  relation  exists  between  the  soil,  plant, 
and  the  animal.  One  really  cannot  exist  without 
the  other  to  fulfill  its  destiny.  A  soil  without  plant 
or  animal  growth  is  barren,  devoid  of  life.  The 
soil  comes  first;  the  elements  contained  in  it  and 
the  air  are  the  basis  of  plant  and  animal  life.  The 
body  of  the  animal  is  made  up  of  the  identical 
elements  found  in  the  plant,  yet  the  growth  of  the 
plant  is  necessary  to  furnish  food  for  animal  life. 
The  plant  takes  from  the  soil  and  from  the  air  the 
simple  chemical  elements,  and  with  these  builds  up 
the  plant  tissue  which,  in  its  turn,  is  the  food  of 
the  animal. 

The  animal  cannot  feed  directly  from  the  soil  and 
air;  it  requires  the  plant  first  to  take  the  elements 
and  to  build  them  into  tissue.  From  this  tissue 
animals  get  their  food  for  maintenance  and  growth. 
Then  the  animal  dies;  with  its  decay  and  decom- 
position comes  change  of  animal  tissue,  back  to 
soil  and  air  again ;  back  to  single  simple  elements, 
that  new  plants  may  be  grown,  that  new  plant  tis- 
sue may  be  made  for  another  generation  of  animal 
life. 

Thus  the  plant  grows  out  of  the  soil  and  air, 
and  the  decay  of  the  animal  plant  life  furnishes 
food  for  the  plant  that  the  plant  may  furnish  food 
for  the  animal.  Thus  we  see  the  cycle  of  life ;  from 
the  soil  and  air  come  the  soil  constituents. 

Meaning  of  Plant  Building. — Before  the  single 
simple  elements  were  taken  into  the  plant,  they 

21 


22 


THE  farmer's   veterinarian 


SOME   PHYSIOLOGY  YOU   OUGHT  TO   KNOW  23 

wer<  ot'  little  value.  The  animal  could  not  use 
them  for  food,  they  could  not  be  burned  to  furnish 
heat,  and  they  stored  up  no  energy  to  carry  on  any 
of  the  world's  work.  What  a  change  the  plant 
makes  of  them!  So  used,  they  become  the  source 
of  the  animal  food,  and,  as  food,  they  contain  five 
principal  groups  with  which  the  animal  is  nour- 
ished. These  five  groups  are  the  air,  water,  the 
protein  compounds,  the  nitrogen  free  compounds, 
such  as  starch,  crude  fiber,  sugar  and  g^ms,  and 
the  fat  or  ether  extract,  as  it  is  called. 

DIGESTION  OF  THE  FOOD 

Before  these  diflferent  constituents  of  the  plant 
can  be  used  as  food  for  animals,  they  must  be  pre- 
pared for  absorption  into  the  system  of  the  animal. 
This  preparation  takes  place  in  the  mouth,  oesoph- 
agus tube,  the  stomach,  and  the  intestines,  aided 
by  the  various  secretions  incident  to  digestion  and 
absorption.  Any  withholding  of  any  essential  con- 
stituent has  its  result  in  inefficiency  or  illness  of 
the  animal. 

Withhold  ash  materials,  for  instance,  from  the 
food,  or  supply  an  insufficient  quantity,  and  the 
fact  will  be  evidenced  by  poor  teeth,  deficient  bone 
construction  and  poor  health  in  general.  Let  the 
feeding  ration  be  short  in  protein,  and  the  result 
will  be  shown  in  the  flesh  and  blood.  Let  the  car- 
bohydrates and  fat  be  withheld  or  supplied  insuf- 
ficiently, and  energy  will  be  denied  and  a  thrifty 
condition  will  not  be  possible. 

The  supply  of  these  different  constituents  in  the 
proper  proportion  gives  rise  to  the  balanced  ration ; 
and  is  concerned  in  a  treatise  of  this  kind  only  in  so 
far  as  it  has  to  do  with  disease  or  health.     For, 


24  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

remember  this  fact:  live  stocK  are  cioseiy  associ- 
ated with  right  feeding.  If  foods  be  improperly 
prepared,  or  improperly  supplied,  or  the  rations 
poorly  balanced,  with  too  much  of  one  constituent 
and  too  little  of  another,  the  effect  will  be  manifest 
in  an  impoverished  condition  of  the  system.  That 
means  either  disease,  or  disease  invited. 

Not  only  must  these  facts  be  considered,  but 
other  matters  given  recognition  also.  The  greater 
part  of  the  trouble  of  the  stockman  in  the  way  of 
animal  diseases  is  due  to  some  disturbance  of  the 
digestive  system,  or  to  the  water  supply,  or  to  ven- 
tilation, or  to  the  use  to  which  the  animal  is  put  from 
day  to  day.  Attention  to  the  details  of  digestion 
has  its  reward  in  thrifty,  healthy  stock;  a  lack  of 
this  attention  brings  trouble  and  either  a  temporary 
ailment  or  a  permanent  disease. 

Process  of  Mastication. — Food  is  taken  in  the 
mouth,  where  it  is  masticated  by  means  of  the  teeth, 
lips,  cheeks,  and  the  tongue.  While  the  process  of 
mastication  is  taking  place  there  is  being  poured 
into  the  mouth  large  quantities  of  saliva,  which 
softens  the  food  and  starts  the  process  of  diges- 
tion. The  active  principle  of  saliva  is  a  soluble  fer- 
ment, called  ptyalin,  that  converts  the  starch  of 
food  into  sugar.  The  amount  of  saliva  that  is 
poured  into  the  food  is  very  great,  being  often  as 
much  as  one-tenth  of  the  weight  of  the  animal.  This 
ferment  is  active  after  the  teeth  have  been  formed, 
which  explains  why  it  is  not  advisable  to  feed 
much  starchy  food  to  children  before  their  teeth 
have  begun  development 

The  food,  after  being  ground  and  mixed  with  the 
saliva  fluid,  goes  to  the  stomach.  With  the  horse 
and  hog  the  stomach  is  a  single  sac  not  capable 
of  holding  very  large  quantities  of  food;    with  the 


SOME   PHYSIOLOGY  YOU   OUGHT  TO   KNOW  25 

COW  and  sheep,  on  the  other  hand,  ./e  find  a  large 
storehouse  for  holding  food — a  storehouse  that  is 
divided  into  four  compartments,  the  rumen  or 
paunch,  reticulum,  omasum,  and  the  abomasum. 
The  first  three  communicate  with  the  gullet  by 
a  common  opening.  The  cud  is  contained  in  the 
first  and  second  stomachs,  and,  after  it  has  been 
masticated  a  second  time,  it  passes  to  the  third  and 
fourth,  and  to  the  bowels,  where  the  process  of 
digestion  is  continued. 

Gastric  Juice. — From  this  it  will  be  noticed  that 


DISEASED  KIDNEY 

The  kidney  of  the  hog  is  pictured  here.     As  a  rule  It  la 
sually   impossible   to   diagnose   kidney  troubles   In  hogs   and 
similar  lower  animals. 

chewing  the  cud  is  an  act  in  the  process  of  diges- 
tion ;  it  refers  only  to  rechewing  the  food  so  as  to 
get  it  finer  and  better  ground  for  digestion.  While 
in  the  stomach  the  saliva  continues  the  digestion 
of  the  starchy  matter  and  is  assisted  by  the  gastric 
fluid  that  pours  in  from  the  lining  of  the  stomach, 
which  converts  the  protein  or  albuminoids  into 
peptones.  The  fatty  matter  is  not  acted  upon  at 
this  point.  There  are  three  constituents  of  gastric 
juice,  which  affect  the  changes  in  the  food.  These 
are  pepsin,  rennet,  and  acid.  With  rennet  you  are 
acquainted.  It  is  used  in  the  kitchen,  in  the  mak- 
ing of  cheese,  and  is  obtained  from  the  stomach  of 


26  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

calves  or  other  young  animals.  Pepsin,  also  ob- 
tained directly  from  the  stomach,  is  now  a  con- 
spicuous preparation  in  medicine.  The  food,  after 
leaving  the  stomach,  goes  into  the  bowels  and  is 
acted  upon  by  secretions  of  the  liver  and  pancreas 
or  sweetbreads.  It  should  be  noted  in  passing  that 
no  secretion  enters  the  first  three  divisions  of  the 
ruminant's  stomach.  It  is  only  in  the  fourth  or 
true  stomach  that  the  gastric  juice  is  found. 

The  Stomach  Chum. — ^While  food  is  in  the 
stomach  it  is  subjected  to  a  constant  turning  move- 
ment that  causes  it  to  travel  from  the  entrance  to 
the  exit  or  intestines.  When  it  passes  into  the  small 
intestines  it  is  subjected  to  the  action  of  bile 
and  pancreatic  juices,  which  have  principally 
to  do  with  the  breaking  up  of  the  fat  compounds. 
Both  resemble,  to  a  certain  extent,  saliva  in  their 
ability  to  change  starch  into  sugar. 

The  secretion  of  the  bile  comes  from  the  liver 
and  the  pancreatic  juice  from  the  pancreas  or 
sweetbreads,  and  both  are  poured  into  the  intestines 
near  the  same  point,  so  that  they  act  together.  The 
ferments  they  contain  act  in  the  following  ways: 
They  change  starch  into  sugar,  fat  into  fatty  com- 
pounds, they  curdle  milk,  and  convert  protein  com- 
pounds into  soluble  peptones. 

The  process  of  digestion  is  finally  ended  in  the 
intestines,  where  absorption  into  the  system  takes 
place.  There  is  no  opening  at  all  from  the  bowels 
into  the  body,  but  the  digestive  nutriment  is  picked 
up  by  the  blood  when  handed  into  the  body  from 
the  intestines  by  means  of  countless  little  cells 
called  villi,  that  line  the  walls  of  the  intestines. 
These  villi  cells  have  little  hair-like  projections  ex- 
tending into  the  intestines,  which  constantly  move ; 
these  protrusions,  as  they  move  about,  catch  on  to 


SOME  PHYSIOLOGY  YOU  OUGHT  TO   KNOW 


27 


the  digested  nutriment,  draw  it  into  the  cells  them- 
selves, where  it  is  handed  on  to  the  blood,  when  it 
is  later  on  distributed  to  all  parts  of  the  body.  You 
can  realize  that  an  immense  number  of  these  ab- 
sorption cells  are  present  when  the  length  of  the 
intestine  is  considered.  In  the  ox  the  intestine  is 
nearJly  200  feet  long.     After  the  nutriment  is  drawn 


STOMACH    OF   RUMINANT 

The  four  main  divisions  of  the  ruminant's  stomach  are 
pictured  here.  The  first  three  divisions  are  the  store-houses 
for  food  until  it  is  fully  prepared  for  the  fourth  stomach  or 
abomasum. 


from  the  food  the  undigested  portions  are  voided 
periodically  as  feces  or  dung. 

Absorption  of  the  Nutriment. — Digestion,  there- 
fore, is  a  dissolving  process;  food  is  admitted  to 
the  system  by  means  of  cells.     You  remember  that 


aS  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

all  plant  food  first  passes  into  a  soluble  state  be- 
fore it  can  enter  the  roots  and  be  conveyed  to  the 
parts  of  the  plants  that  require  additional  food  for 
growth.  In  the  case  of  plants  the  entrance  is  by- 
means  of  the  root  hairs.  In  the  case  of  the  animal, 
entrance  in  the  body  is  by  means  of  the  villi  cells 
that  line  the  intestines.  From  this  we  see  that 
digestion  is  both  an  intricate  and  delicate  process. 
Any  loss  of  appetite,  any  disturbance  of  the  diges- 
tion work,  and  any  irregularity  of  the  bowels  bear 
decided  results,  one  way  or  the  other,  to  the  rest 
of  the  system ;  and  any  disturbance  of  the  body  at 
other  points,  although  having  no  direct  relation  to 
the  digestion  system,  sooner  or  later  affects  the 
digestion  and  in  so  doing  causes  additional  trouble. 
Directly  affecting  digestion  may  be  improper 
food,  either  liquid  or  solid;  and  over-exercise  or 
not  enough  of  it  may  prove  troublesome,  for  exer- 
cise is  clearly  related  to  digestion.  When  the 
digestion  process  is  disturbed,  air  or  gas  may  ac- 
cumulate in  the  stomach  or  bowels  and  give  rise  to 
colic  or  hoven.  A  watery  action  of  the  intestines, 
due  to  inflammation  or  irritation,  may  lead  to 
dysentery  and  enteritis ;  or  some  obstruction  like  a 
hair-ball  or  a  clover  fuzzy  ball,  or  the  knotting  of 
the  intestines,  may  occur,  temporarily  or  perma- 
nently impairing  digestion  so  seriously  often  as  to 
cause  death  itself. 

CIRCULATION 

As  water  in  the  plant  is  the  carrier  of  plant  food 
throughout  the  plant,  so  is  blood  the  carrier  and 
distributor  of  food  in  the  animal.  When  food  is 
absorbed,  it  either  passes  into  the  lymphatic  sys- 
tem or  into  the  capillaries  of  the  blood  system. 


SOME  PHYSIOLOGY  YOU  OUGHT  TO   KNOW  29 

If  in  the  former,  it  is  carried  to  the  thoracic  duct, 
which  extends  along"  the  spinal  column  and  enters 
one  of  the  main  blood  vessels.  If  collected  by  the 
capillary  system,  it  is  carried  to  the  portable  rein, 
thence  to  the  liver  and  finally  to  the  heart,  where 
it  meets  with  the  blue  blood  collected  from  all  parts 
of  the  bod} 

At  this  point,  the  blood  contams  both  the  nutri- 
ment and  the  waste  matter  of  the  body.  Before  it 
can  be  sent  through  the  body  again  the  waste  ma- 
terial must  be  thrown  out  of  the  system  by  means 
of  the  lungs.  This  is  accomplished  by  the  heart 
forcing  to  the  lungs  the  impure  blood  with  its  im- 
purities collected  from  all  parts  of  the  body  and 
also  the  nutriment  collected  from  the  digestive 
tract. 

The  chief  organs,  therefore,  of  the  circulatory 
system  are  the  blood  and  lymphatic  vessels  contain- 
ing respectively  blood  and  lymph.  The  only  dif- 
ference between  these  two  materials  is  in  the  fact 
that  lymph  is  blood  without  the  red-blood  corpuscles. 
The  body,  after  all,  really  depends  upon  this  lymph 
for  nourishment,  since  it  wanders  to  all  parts  of 
the  body,  surrounds  all  the  cells  in  all  of  the  tissues 
and  in  this  way  carries  to  the  cells  the  very  kinds  of 
food  that  they  need. 

L5anph  Passes  Through  Cell  Walls. — The  blood 
vessels  have  no  openings  into  the  body  at  all.  In 
this  respect  the  blood  system  is  like  the  digestive 
system ;  it  is  separate  and  distinct  in  itself.  The 
blood,  however,  does  creep  through  the  walls  of  the 
blood  vessels.  In  so  doing  the  blood  corpuscles 
are  left  behind  and  lymph  is  the  result. 

The  center  of  the  blood  system  is  the  heart.  It 
is  the  engine  of  the  body.  Going  out  from  it  is  the 
great    aorta,    which    subdivides    into   arteries    and 


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SOME  PHYSIOLOGY  YOU   OUGHT  TO   KNOW  3 1 

farther  away  further  subdivides  until  there  is  a 
great  network  of  little  arteries;  these  in  turn  be- 
come very  tiny  and  take  the  name  of  capillaries. 
Thus  the  red  blood,  by  means  of  arteries  and  capil- 
laries, is  carried  to  all  parts  of  the  body.  This 
plan  of  distribution  would  not  be  complete  unless 
some  way  were  provided  for  the  return  of  the  blood 
to  the  heart  and  lungs  for  purification.  And  just 
such  an  arrangement  has  been  provided.  Another 
kind  of  network  collects  this  scattered  blood  at  the 
extremities  into  separate  vessels,  which  gradually 
increase  in  size  and  finally  empty  their  possessions 
into  the  heart.  These  are  the  veins  of  the  body, 
and  have  to  do  with  the  impure  blood  of  the  body. 

How  the  Heart  Does  Its  Work. — The  power  back 
of  blood  distribution  is  the  heart.  It  is  an  auto- 
matic pump,  as  it  were,  that  sends  blood  to  the 
lungs  and  through  the  arteries  to  all  parts  of  the 
body.  The  heart  is  divided  into  four  divisions: 
the  left  and  right  ventricles  and  the  right  and  left 
auricles.  The  right  auricle  receives  the  blood  from 
the  upper  half  of  the  body  through  a  large  vein 
and  the  lower  half  of  the  body  through  another 
large  vein,  and  the  blood  from  both  lungs  empties 
into  the  left  auricle  through  two  left  and  two  right 
pulmonary  veins.  The  large  arteries  of  the  heart 
which  carry  the  blood  from  the  heart  to  the  dif- 
ferent organs  arise  from  the  ventricle. 

The  blood  always  flows  in  the  same  direction.  It 
goes  into  the  auricle  from  the  veins,  and  from  this 
into  the  ventricle.  It  then  passes  into  the  arteries, 
then  to  the  veins  and  then  to  the  capillaries. 

The  action  of  the  heart  is  very  much  like  a  force 
pump;  the  dark  blood  flows  into  the  right  auricle, 
which  contracts;  when  this  is  done,  the  blood  is 


32  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

forced  into  the  right  ventricle;  this  in  turn  con- 
tracts and  forces  the  blood  into  the  lungs,  where 
oxygen  is  taken  on  and  carbonic  acid  gas  and  other 
impurities  are  thrown  off.  From  the  lungs  the 
blood,  now  red  and  pure,  passes  into  the  left  auricle 
and  thence  into  the  left  ventricle,  from  which  it  is 
forced  into  the  aorta  to  be  distributed  to  all  parts 
of  the  body. 

We  now  see  the  close  connection  existing  be- 
tween the  digestive  system  and  the  circulatory 
system.  The  digested  food  in  the  intestines  is 
gathered  in  by  villi  cells.  The  question  can  now 
be  asked.  What  do  these  cells  do  with  this  nutri- 
ment or  digested  food?  They  pour  it  into  the 
absorbent  vessels  or  lymphs,  as  they  are  called; 
these  in  turn  empty  the  assimilated  stores  of  food 
into  larger  and  still  larger  vessels,  which  continues 
until  the  whole  of  the  nutritive  fluid  is  collected 
into  one  great  duct  or  tube,  which  pours  its  con- 
tents into  the  large  veins  at  the  base  of  the  neck, 
from  whence  it  is  carried  into  the  circulatory  sys- 
tem, the  very  basis  of  which  is  the  blood. 

RESPIRATION 

The  dark  and  impure  blood,  after  returning  to 
the  heart,  is  sent  to  the  lungs.  It  is,  when  collected 
from  the  body,  just  before  being  sent  to  the  lungs 
dark,  dull  and  loaded  with  worn-out  matter.  It 
must  now  be  sent  to  the  lungs,  where  it  may  be 
spread  over  the  delicate  thin  walls  of  millions  of 
vesicles,  to  be  exposed  to  the  air,  which  is  inhaled 
by  the  acts  of  breathing.  The  blood  gives  off  the 
broken-down  material  and  carbonic  acid  gas  very 
readily.  It  is  both  unpleasant  and  disagreeable, 
and  the  blood  cells  find  it  very  unattractive. 


SOME    PHYSIOLOGY   YOU   OUGHT   TO    KNOW  33 

The  cells  of  the  blood,  however,  have  a  great  at- 
traction for  oxyg-en,  consequently  the  cells  absorb 
oxygen  with  greediness,  so  that  when  the  blood 
returns  to  the  heart  it  is  fresh  and  bright  and 
ready  to  take  its  journey  back  over  the  body  again. 
This  is  done  just  about  every  three  minutes.  This 
endless  round  continues  until  stopped  forever  by 
death. 

The  relation  existing  between  the  animal  and 
plant  functions  is  brought  to  light  in  another  way. 
When  the  plant  was  building  tissue  it  released 
oxygen  and  exhaled  it  into  the  air.  At  the  same 
time,  by  means  of  leaves,  it  gathered  in  the  car- 
bonic acid  to  use  in  plant  building.  Of  course  this 
was  got  from  the  air.  The  animal  in  performing 
its  functions  and  in  building  its  tissue  inhales  oxy- 
gen from  and  exhales  carbonic  acid  gas  into  the  air. 
Thus  it  is  that  animals  take  up  what  is  unnecessary 
to  the  plant  and  the  plant  uses  what  is  waste  and 
poison  to  the  animal. 


CHAPTER  III 
The  Teeth  As  An  Indication  of  Age 

When  a  colt  is  born  the  first  and  second  tem- 
porary molars,  three  on  each  jaw,  are  to  be  seen. 
(These  are  large  when  compared  with  the  size  of 
those  that  later  replace  them.  In  from  five  to  ten 
days  after  birth  the  two  central  incisors  or  nippers 
make  their  appearance.  In  three  or  four  weeks  the 
third  temporary  molars  appear,  followed  within  a 
couple  of  months  by  an  additional  incisor  on  each 
side  of  the  first  two,  both  above  and  below.  The 
corner  incisors  appear  between  the  ninth  and 
twelfth  months  after  birth.  This  makes  the  full 
set  of  teeth — twenty-four  in  number. 

There  is  now  no  change  in  number,  although  there 
is  considerable  change  taking  place  all  the  time ;  the 
incisor  teeth,  in  rubbing  against  each  other,  are 
more  or  less  worn,  giving  rise  to  the  expression 
*'  losing  the  mark." 

The  two  molars  present  at  birth  remain  until 
the  animal  is  about  three  years  old,  at  which  time 
they  fall  out  of  their  sockets  by  the  protrusion  of 
the  second  set,  or  permanent  molars. 

This  change  from  temporary  to  permanent  teeth 
takes  place  usually  without  difHculty  and  without 
trouble.  The  permanent  teeth  push  their  way  up 
from  below  crowding  those  in  view.  While  this 
pushing  and  crowding  is  going  on  the  temporary 
teeth  are  losing  ground,  for  the  reason  their  roots 
are  being  absorbed,  and  a  time  comes  when  the  cap 
only  is  left  attached  to  the  g^ms.     This  cap  drops 

34 


THE  TEETH   AS  AN    INDICATION   OF  AGE  35 

out  and  the  new  or  permanent  tooth  soon  is  estab- 
lished in  its  place. 

LOSING  OF  TEMPORARY  TEETH 

According  to  the  observation  of  Mayo,  the  tem- 
porary incisors  are  replaced  by  permanent  teeth 
as  follows :  "  The  two  central  incisors  are  shed  at 
about  two  and  a  half  years,  and  the  permanent  ones 
are  up  *  in  wear '  at  three  years.  The  lateral  in- 
cisors are  shed  at  three  and  a  half  and  the  per- 
manent ones  are  up  and  in  wear  at  four  years.  The 
corner  incisors  are  shed  at  four  and  a  half  and  the 
permanent  ones  are  up  and  in  wear  at  five. 

"  The  molars  are  erupted  and  replaced  as  fol- 
lows: The  fourth  molar  on  each  jaw  (which  is 
always  a  permanent  molar)  is  erupted  at  ten  to 
twelve  months ;  the  fifth  permanent  molar  at  two 
to  two  and  a  half  years,  and  the  sixth  usually  at  four 
and  a  half  to  five.  The  first  and  second  molars, 
which  are  temporary,  are  shed  and  replaced  by  per- 
manent ones  at  two  to  three  years  of  age.  The 
third  temporary  molar  is  replaced  by  a  permanent 
one  at  three  and  a  half  years.  In  males,  the  canine 
or  bridle  teeth  are  erupted  at  about  four  and  a  half 
years  of  age.  At  about  five  years  of  age  a  horse  is 
said  to  have  a  full  mouth  of  permanent  teeth." 

THE  MARK  IN  THE  TOOTH 

Horsemen  make  use  of  the  "  mark  in  the  tooth  " 
for  determining  the  age  between  five  and  eleven. 
In  examining  teeth  you  observe  that  two  bands  of 
enamel  are  to  be  seen ;  one  exterior,  that  surrounds 
the  tooth,  the  other  interior,  which  is  termed  the 
casing  enamel.  It  is  this  latter,  or  "  date  cavity," 
that  is  used  to  tell  the  age. 


36  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

The  mark  in  the  tooth  is  occasioned  by  the  food 
blackening  the  hollow  pit.  This  is  formed  on  the 
surface  by  the  bending  in  of  the  enamel,  which 
passes  over  the  surface  of  the  teeth,  and,  by  the 
gradual  wearing  down  of  the  enamel  from  friction, 
and  the  consequent  disappearance  of  it,  the  age  can 
be  determined  for  a  period  of  several  years. 

When  a  horse  has  attained  his  sixth  year  the 
mark  on  the  central  or  middle  incisors  or  nippers 


LUMPY    JAW 

The  disease  is  caused  by  the  ray  fungus.     The  result  is  local 
tumors  in  the  bones  and  other  tissues. 


of  the  lower  jaw  will  be  completely  worn  off,  leav- 
ing, however,  a  little  difference  of  color  in  the  cen- 
ter of  the  teeth.  The  cement  which  fills  the  hole 
produced  by  the  dipping  in  of  the  enamel  will  be 
somewhat  browner  than  that  of  the  other  portions 
of  the  tooth,  and  will  exhibit  evident  proofs  of  the 
edge  being  surrounded  by  enamel. 

At  seven  years  the  marks  in  the  four  middle  in- 
cisors are  worn  out  and  are  speedily  disappearing 
in  the  corner  ones.     These  disappear  entirely  at  the 


THE  TEETH   AS  AN    INDICATION   OF  AGB  37 

age  of  eight ;  thus  all  marks  are  obliterated  at  this 
age  on  the  lower  jaw;  the  surface  of  the  teeth  are 
level  and  the  form  of  the  teeth  changes  to  a  more 
oval  form. 

The  marks  on  the  upper  jaw  are  still  present, 
since  there  has  been  less  friction  and  wear  on  them. 
At  nine  the  marks  disappear  from  the  central  upper 
incisors,  at  ten  from  the  adjoining  two,  and  at 
eleven  from  the  corner  teeth. 

To  tell  the  age  of  the  horse  beyond  this  period 
is  difficult  and  uncertain,  except  by  those  very 
much  experienced  in  performing  the  undertaking. 
The  shape  of  the  teeth,  the  color  and  the  condition 
all  enter  into  the  determination  but  there  is  no 
fast  and  fixed  rules  after  the  marks  have  disap- 
peared. 

TEETH  OF  CATTLE 

Cattle  have  no  incisor  teeth  on  the  upper  jaw. 
They  have  eight  incisors  on  the  lower  jaw.  Ac- 
cording to  Mayo,  the  temporary  incisors  are  as 
follows :  "  The  central  incisors  or  nippers  are  up 
at  birth,  the  internal  lateral  at  one  week  old,  the 
external  lateral  at  two  weeks,  and  the  comer  in- 
cisors at  three  weeks  old.  They  are  replaced  by 
permanent  incisors  approximately  as  follows, 
though  they  vary  much  more  than  in  the  colt :  The 
central  incisors  are  replaced  at  12  to  18  months; 
the  internal  laterals  at  about  two  and  a  half  years; 
the  external  laterals  at  three  to  three  and  a  half 
years ;  and  the  corner  incisors  at  about  three  and 
a  half  years.  In  the  horned  cattle,  a  ring  makes 
its  appearance  at  three  years  of  age,  and  a  new  ring 
is  added  annually  thereafter." 


'38  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

TEETH  OF  SHEEP 

Sheep,  like  cattle,  have  no  incisor  teeth  on  the 
upper  jaw.  Like  cattle,  they  have  eight  incisors 
on  the  lower  jaw  when  the  mouth  has  reached  full 
age.  The  change  of  the  teeth  occurs  as  follows: 
At  birth  the  lamb  has  two  incisors,  followed  by  two 
more  very  soon.  At  the  end  of  two  weeks  two 
more  are  out,  making  six  incisors  in  all.  At  three 
weeks  of  age  two  more  have  appeared,  completing 
the  appearance  of  the  temporary  or  milk  teeth. 

The  permanent  begin  to  replace  the  temporary 
teeth  between  one  and  one  and  a  half  years.  The 
two  central  milk  teeth  are  first  replaced  by  two 
longer  and  stronger  teeth.  The  lamb  is  now  known 
as  a  yearling. 

At  two  years  the  two  teeth  adjoining  the  central 
incisors  are  replaced  by  permanent  ones ;  at  three 
the  two  adjoining  these  are  replaced,  making  now 
six  permanent  incisors. 

•  Between  four  and  four  and  a  half  the  last  two 
permanent  incisors  appear  and  the  sheep  then  has 
a  full  mouth. 


CHAPTER  IV 

Examining  Animals  for  Soundness  and  Health 

In  purchasing  farm  stock,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  deal 
with  reputable  people  only.  Leave  the  horse  trader 
alone.  He  knows  too  many  tricks,  and  if  you  are  a 
stranger  to  him  you  can  be  pretty  certain  that  he 
will  try  one  on  you — just  for  fun. 

Fortunately  farmers  sell  to  strangers  more  fre- 
quently than  they  buy  of  them,  and  when  they 
seek  new  stock  they  deal  largely  with  breeders, 
who,  like  themselves,  are  farmers  and  not  given 
to  the  tricks  of  low  and  disreputable  methods; 
nevertheless,  every  purchaser  of  stock  should  be 
familiar  with  animal  form  and  able  to  recognize 
defects  and  faults  when  he  sees  them.  This  is  as 
much  his  business  as  to  breed,  raise  or  feed  the 
stock  on  his  farm. 

LOOKING  THE  ANIMAL  OVER 

Know  what  form  you  want;  draft  and  speed 
represent  different  types,  so  do  dairy  and  beef. 
With  all  classes  of  farm  stock  there  are  a  few 
points  that  are  desirable  in  all  stock.  One  of  these 
is  width  between  the  eyes.  No  animal  of  any 
breed  or  class  possessed  of  a  narrow  forehead  is 
at  all  perfect.  A  wide  forehead  is  one  of  the  abso- 
lute beauties. 

These  are  desirable  characters  of  all  farm 
animals;  they  represent  culture  and  refinement 
and  good  breeding.  The  purchaser  or  breeder, 
therefore,  should  not  only  know  conformation,  but 
he  should  know  quality. 


40  '     THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

SPECIAL  TYPE  IN  HORSES 

Our  breeds  of  horses  may  be  divided  into  three 
g-eneral  classes.  Those  used  for  speed,  those  for 
draft  and  those  with  a  mixture  of  the  two— a  gen- 
eral purpose  sort  of  horse.  The  speed  or  trotting 
horse  has  its  distinct  type;  it  has  been  evolving 
and  developing  through  a  long  series  of  years. 

Briefly,  its  conformation  may  be  described  as 
follows :  A  wide  forehead,  fairly  long  head,  a  long 
neck  that  is  thin  and  agile,  a  narrow  chest  as  you 
look  at  it  from  the  front,  but  very  deep  as  you  look 
from  the  side,  long  sloping  shoulders,  rather  long 
back,  a  long  horizontal  croup,  small  barrel,  fairly 
long  forearm,  long  cannon  bones  and  feet  that  are 
well  shaped  and  perfect  in  every  respect.  Looking 
at  the  animal  from  the  side  it  should  be  as  high  over 
the  hips  or  higher  than  over  the  withers. 

The  draft  horse,  on  the  other  hand,  has  a  dif- 
ferent conformation.  There  is  not  that  elongation 
of  his  parts,  although  there  is  a  symmetry  of  parts 
and  of  proportion.  There  should  be  the  width 
between  the  eyes;  the  clean,  neat  face;  a  graceful 
neck,  which  should  be  shorter  and  more  heavily 
muscled  than  that  of  the  speed  horse.  The  chest 
should  be  wide,  both  from  the  front  and  side,  the 
back  short  but  heavily  muscled,  the  croup  strong 
and  not  so  horizontal  as  with  the  speed  type,  the 
quarters  heavily  muscled  and  the  cannon  bone 
short. 

The  feet  should  be  as  perfect  as  those  of  the 
speed  horse.  In  both  types  the  knee  should  be 
thick,  deep,  and  broad  and  the  hocks  wide.  The 
narrow  hock  is  not  so  well  able  to  stand  heavy 
strain,   consequently  ^urb   diseases   readily  follow 


EXAMINING    FOR    SOUNDNESS    AND    HEALTH         4I 

where  the  conformation  shows  narrow  hocks.  An- 
other difference  between  the  two  types  is  found  in 
the  muscles.  The  speed  type  throughout  has  long, 
thin,  narrow  muscles — muscles  that  stretch  a  long 
way  and'contract  quickly. 

With  the  draft  horse  it  is  different:  the  muscles 
are  shorter,  but  they  are  heavy ;  they  are  less  quick 
in  their  action,  but  they  are  more  powerful.     In 


BAD   ATTITUDES   DUE    TO    CONFORMATION 

In  the  first,  the  toes  are  turned  out.  The  middle  picture 
shows  in-kneed  attitude  and  the  third  shows  in-turned  toes. 
Whether  standing  or  traveling,  the  appearance  is  unpleasant 
and  mitigates  against  the  value  of  the  animals. 

both  types  good  proportions  are  always  desirable. 
The  width  between  the  eyes  should  be  as  much  or 
more  than  one-third  the  length  of  the  head.  The 
distance  from  the  point  over  the  shoulders  to  the 
ground  should  be  about  equal  to  the  distance  from 
the  point  over  the  hips  to  the  ground ;  and  in  turn 
this  distance,  whatever  it  is,  should  be  about  equal 


42  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

to  the  length  of  the  horse  from  the  point  of  the 
shoulder  to  the  point  of  the  buttock. 
■  Looking  at  the  horse  in  front  if  a  line  be  dropped 
from  the  point  of  the  shoulder  it  should  halve  the 
fore  leg,  the  knee,  the  cannon,  and  the  hoof.  And 
the  width  of  the  third  hoof,  if  placed  between  the 
two  front  feet,  should  give  the  attitude  that  is 
desirable. 

Looking  at  the  horse  from  the  rear,  the  same 
attitude  is  to  be  observed.  Of  course,  many  horses 
do  not  possess  these  qualities  and  proportions ;  and 
because  they  do  not  is  the  very  reason  that  their 
beauty,  efficiency,  and  value  are  less. 

EXAMINING  ANIMALS  IN  THE  STABLE 

In  going  into  the  stable  look  the  animals  over 
quietly.  Observe  how  they  stand,  breathe,  eat,  and 
act  generally.  Are  they  nervous  ?  Does  one  swing 
his  head  from  side  to  side?  Does  he  kick,  paw, 
put  back  his  ears,  or  does  he  have  any  of  the  other 
common  stable  vices  that  are  unpleasant  and  un- 
desirable? As  you  look  about  and  pass  back  and 
forth,  you  will  get  the  evidence  of  these  stable 
vices,  if  such  are  to  be  found. 

Look  particularly  for  cribbing,  wind  sucking, 
kicking  and  crowding.  Pawing  is  just  as  bad.  If 
you  want  animals  with  good  stable  manners  pass 
by  those  possessing  these  ugly  faults.  The  next 
step  is  to  examine  the  animals  individually;  those 
that  "  look  good  "  to  you.  No  doubt  you  will  find 
some  that  do  not  interest  you  for  one  reason  or 
another.  These  need  no  further  attention,  unless 
you  have  overlooked  some  fact,  in  which  case  your 
attention  will  likely  be  called  to  it. 


EXAMINING   FOR   SOUNDNESS   AND    HEALTH         43 

In  making  the  individual  examination,  go  up  to 
the  animal  in  the  stall,  place  your  hand  on  the  hip, 
and  gently  press  it.  If  no  stringhalt  afflicts  the 
horse,  he  will  move  over,  allowing  you  to  pass  into 
the  stall.  The  same  applies  to  the  cow.  If  well 
trained,  she  will  make  room  for  you  by  moving 
over  at  the  same  time,  if  you  do  this  on  the  proper 
side,  and  she  will  put  back  her  hind  foot,  as  if  she 
were  about  to  be  milked. 

This  casual  observation  would  not  be  possible 
if  force  were  used  or  the  animal  excited  by  loud 
commands  or  by  a  whip  or  strap.  The  halter 
teaches  its  lesson  also.  A  heavy  rope  or  leather 
suggests  that  the  animal  has  a  pulling  back  vice, 
a  habit  you  want  to  avoid.  Light  halters  for  horses 
and  cattle  are  to  be  preferred  to  chains,  heavy 
leather,  or  ropes. 

REAL  TEST  IS  OUT  OF  DOORS 

Now  that  you  have  seen  all  of  the  animals  for 
sale,  ask  the  owner  to  lead  them  out  of  doors  for 
a  more  careful  examination.  In  this  you  will 
inspect  the  animal  very  carefully  in  order  to  be 
certain  of  the  conformation,  defects,  and  blemishes, 
and  to  acquaint  yourself  specifically  as  to  health 
and  disposition. 

Cast  your  eyes  over  the  animal,  front,  side,  and 
rear.  Pass  around  the  animal,  keeping  some  dis- 
tance away.  By  so  doing  you  can  judge  of  type 
and  conformation,  of  proportions  and  attitudes ;  for 
each  of  these  is  important.  A  beefy-looking  cow,  with 
a  thick  neck,  square  body  and  small  udder  will  not 
suit  you  for  milk.  Neither  will  a  cow  with  a  long, 
thin   neck,  open,   angular  body,   thin   thighs,   and 


44  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

heavy,  deep  paunch  meet  your  needs  if  you   are 
seeking  breeding  stock  for  beef  production. 

If  you  are  examining  a  horse,  keep  in  mind  the 
purpose  for  which  you  are  selecting.  Remember 
the  long,  thin  neck,  very  oblique  shoulder,  long 
cannon,  long  back,  and  long  thin  muscles  are  not 
adequate  for  draft.  On  the  other  hand,  if  you  want 
a  horse  for  road  purposes,  avoid  the  heavy  muscles, 
the  short  neck,  the  heavy  croup,  and  the  heavy 
thighs.  These  mean  draft — an  animal  for  heavy 
work. 

SPECIAL  TYPE  IN  CATTLE 

The  milk  cow  should  have  a  very  soft,  mellow 
skin,  and  fine,  silky  hair.  The  head  should  be  narrow 
and  long,  with  great  width  between  the  eyes.  This 
last-mentioned  characteristic  is  an  indication  of 
g^eat  nervous  force,  an  important  quality  for  the 
heavy  milker.  The  neck  of  the  good  dairy  cow  is 
long  and  thin,  the  shoulders  thin  and  lithe  and 
narrow  at  the  top.  The  back  is  open,  thin,  and 
tapering  toward  the  tail.  The  hips  are  wide  apart 
and  covered  with  little  meat. 

The  good  cow  is  also  thin  in  the  regions  of  the 
thigh  and  flank,  but  very  deep  through  the  stomach 
girth,  made  so  by  long  open  ribs.  The  udder  is 
large,  attached  well  forward  on  the  abdomen,  and 
high  behind.  It  should  be  full,  but  not  fleshy. 
The  lacteal  or  milk  veins  ought  also  to  be  large  and 
extend  considerably  toward  the  front  legs. 

The  beef  cow  is  altogether  different:  she  is 
square  in  shape,  full  and  broad  over  the  back  and 
loins,  and  possesses  depth  and  quality,  especially 
in  these  regions.  The  hips  are  even  with  flesh,  the 
legs  full  and   thick,   the   under   line  parallel   with 


EXAMINING    FOR   SOUNDNESS   AND    HEALTH         45 

the  straight  back.  The  neck  is  full  and  short,  the 
eyes  bright,  the  face  short,  the  bones  of  fine  tex- 
ture, the  skin  soft  and  pliable,  and  the  flesh  mellow, 
elastic,  and  rich  in  quality. 

In  other  words,  a  beef  cow  is  square  and  blocky, 
while  the  dairy  cow  is  wedge-shaped  and  angular. 
The  one  stores  nutriment  in  her  body;  the  other 
gives  it  off.  The  one  is  a  miser,  and  stores  all  that 
she  gets  into  her  system ;  the  other  is  a  philanthro- 
pist and  gives  away  all  that  comes  into  her  pos- 
session. 

It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  that  the  two  types  are 
radically  different.  This  difference  is  due  to  breed- 
ing, not  to  feeding,  nor  to  management.  If  you 
are  seeking  good  milk  cows,  you  must  look  for 
form  and  conformation.  If  you  are  looking  for 
beef  cows,  you  must  also  look  for  form  and  con- 
formation, but  of  a  different  kind.  With  this 
knowledge  to  back  you  up  and  to  guide  you,  you 
are  now  ready  to  make  an  examination  of  animals 
that  will  meet  your  purpose. 

GOING  OVER  THE  ANIMAL  IN  DETAIL 

After  making  these  general  observations  you  are 
now  ready  to  examine  the  animal.  Begin  with  the 
head.  How  is  the  eye?  Dull,  weak,  without 
animation?  If  so,  be  on  your  guard.  The  good 
eye  shows  brightness,  intelligence,  and  it  must  be 
free  from  specks.  By  placing  the  hand  over  the 
eye  for  a  few  moments  you  will  be  able  to  detect 
its  sensitiveness  to  light.  Do  you  find  any  dis- 
charge of  any  kind  from  the  eye?  If  so,  some  in- 
flammation is  present.     Try  to  ascertain  the  cause. 

The  Nostril  As  An  Index. — A  large,  open  nostril 
is  desirable.     Look  for  that  character  first.     Now 


46 


THE  farmer's  veterinarian 


observe  the  color  of  the  lining.  To  be  just  right,  it 
should  be  healthy-looking,  of  a  bright  rose-pink 
color,  and  it  should  be  moist.  A  healthy  nostril  is 
one  free  from  sores,  ulcers,  pimples,  and  any  un- 
pleasant odor.  Be  careful  here ;  an  unscrupulous 
dealer  can  very  easily  remove  discharges  and  odors 
by  sponging  and  washing,  and  you  may  be  deceived. 
Looking  In  the  Mouth. — Always  look  in  the 
mouth;    you   have   the  tongue,   teeth,  jaws,   and 


EWE    NECK 

The  neck  Is  one  of  the  beauty  points  of  the  horse.  In 
purchasingr  animals  look  carefully  to  conformation  and  quality. 
Let  these  also  be  guiding  principles  in  breeding. 


glands  to  see.  Naturally,  you,  like  every  other 
person,  consider  the  teeth  first;  you  want  to  be 
certain  of  the  age.  This  feature  is  discussed  else- 
where in  this  book,  and  all  in  addition  that  needs 
to  be  said  is  in  reference  to  the  shape  of  the  teeth. 


EXAMINING    FOR    SOUNDNESS    AND    HEALTH         47 

whether  or  not  they  are  diseased  or  worn  away 
by  age  or  by  constant  cribbing  of  the  manger.  Of 
course  these  facts  you  will  think  of  as  you  examine 
the  mouth. 

Give  the  tongue  a  second  of  your  time.  If  it  is 
scarred  and  shows  rough  treatment  a  harsh  bit  is 
likely  the  cause,  due  to  its  need  in  driving  and 
handling. 

Then  give  a  thought  to  the  glands  while  here. 
Enlarged  glands  may  indicate  some  scrofulous  or 
glanderous  condition  of  the  system. 

Neck  and  Throat. — A  beautiful  neck  and  throat 
is  an  absolute  beauty  in  the  horse  or  cow.  The 
skin  should  be  thin,  mellow,  and  soft,  and  the  hair 
not  over  thick  nor  coarse.  Look  for  poll-evil  at 
the  top  of  the  neck  and  head.  See  if  swellings, 
lumps  or  hard  places  are  to  be  found  at  the  sides 
of  the  neck,  or  underneath  joining  the  throat.  I 
have  found  such  very  frequent  with  dairy  cattle; 
and  cases  are  not  unusual  with  horses. 

Frequently  scars  are  to  be  found  on  the  sides  or 
bottom  of  the  neck.  These  may  be  due  to 
scratches  caused  by  nails,  barb-wire  or  some  sim- 
ilar accident,  and  again  they  may  have  been  caused 
by  sores,  tumors,  or  other  bad  quality  of  the  blood. 

Body  and  Back. — Passing  the  side,  look  over  the 
withers  for  galls  or  fistulae,  the  shoulders  for 
tumors,  collar  puffs,  and  swellings.  Observe  at 
the  same  time  if  there  is  any  wasting  of  the  muscles 
on  the  outside  along  the  shoulder. 

Now  the  back.  Is  it  right  as  to  shape?  Do  you 
find  any  evidence  of  sores  or  tumors?  Look  for 
these  along  the  sides  and  belly.  Now  stoop  a  bit 
and  look  under;  do  you  find  anything  different 
from  what  is  natural?  In  males  look  for  tumor  or 
disease  of  the  penis ;  do  the  same  with  the  scrotum, 


48  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

and,  in  case  of  geldings  scrutinize  carefully  to  see 
if  they  be  ridgelings. 

While  making  this  examination,  if  the  animal  Is 
nervous  and  fretful,  you  can  help  matters  along  if 
an  assistant  holds  up  a  fore  leg.  Take  the  same 
precaution  when  examining  the  hind  quarters  and 
legs.  By  doing  so,  you  will  avoid  being  kicked  and 
can  run  over  the  parts  more  quickly  and  satisfac- 
torily. 

Before  leaving  the  body  observe  if  the  hips  are 
equally  developed,  and  the  animal  evenly  balanced 
in  this  region.  Both  horses  and  cattle  are  liable  to 
hip  injury,  one  of  the  hips  being  frequently  knocked 
down.     Make  sure  that  both  are  sound  and  natural. 

Fore  Legs  and  Front  Feet. — Now  step  to  the 
front  again  for  a  careful  examination  of  the  front 
legs  and  feet.  Starting  with  the  elbow,  examine 
for  capped  elbow;  now  the  knee.  It  should  be 
wide,  long,  and  deep,  and  at  the  same  time  free 
from  any  bony  enlargements.  The  knees  must 
stand  strong,  too.  Is  the  leg  straight?  Do  you 
observe  any  tendency  of  the  knee  to  lean  forward 
out  of  line,  showing  or  indicating  a  "  knee  sprung" 
condition?  Just  below  the  knee,  do  you  find  any 
cuts  or  bunches  or  scars  due  to  interference  of  the 
other  foot  in  travel?  Look  here  also  for  splints; 
follow  along  with  the  fingers  to  see  if  splints  are 
present — on  the  inside  of  the  leg. 

Be  particular  about  the  cannon.  The  front  should 
be  smooth — ^you  want  no  bunches  or  scars.  Just 
above  the  fetlock  feel  for  wind  puflfs ;  and  note  if 
about  the  fetlock  and  pastern  joints  there  are  any 
indications  of  either  ringbones,  bunches,  or  puffs. 
Now  look  for  side  bones;  if  present,  you  will  find 
them  just  at  the  top  of  the  hoof.  They  may  be  on 
either  side.     Sidebones  are  objectionable,  and  are 


EXAMINING    FOR    SOUNDNESS   AND    HEALTH 


49 


the  lateral  cartilages  changed  into  a  bony  struc- 
ture. 

Give  the  foot  considerable  attention.  The  old 
law  of  the  ancients,  "  no  feet,  no  horse,"  is  cer- 
tainly true   in  our  day.     You  can  overlook  many 

other  imperfections  and 
troubles  in  the  horse,  but 
if  the  feet  are  bad  you  do 
not  have  much  of  a  horse. 
A  good  foot  is  well 
shaped,  with  a  healthy- 
looking  hoof  and  no  in- 
dication of  disease  either 
now  or  ever  before. 

See  that  the  shape  is 
agreeable.  A  concave  wall 
is  not  to  be  desired,  and 
the  heels  are  not  to  be  con- 
tracted. The  wall  should 
be  perfect — no  sand  cracks, 
quarter  crack,  or  softening 
of  the  wall  at  the  toe  of 
the  foot. 

Examine     for     Corns. — 
These    are    both    trouble- 
some    and     cause     much 
ANATOMY  OF  THE  FOOT  lamcncss.    A  healthy  frog. 
The    delicate    nature    of  Uninjured  by  the  knife  or 

the    foot    is    readily    recag-  a.i^        Klark<!mit1n      or  other 

nized      when      the      various  ^ne      DiaCKSmiin     or  oiner 

parts  are  considered  in  their  caUSe    IS    Verv    mUCh  tO    be 
relation    to    each    other.                                        •' 

preferred. 
Hind  Legs  and  Feet. — In  examining  these 
regions  give  the  hocks  of  the  horse  special  atten- 
tion. No  defect  is  more  serious  than  bone  spavin. 
You  can,  as  a  rule,  detect  this  by  standing  in  front 
of  the  horse  just  a  httle  to  the  side.     If  there  is 


5©  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN" 

any  question  about  the  matter,  step  around  to  the 
other  side  and  view  the  opposite  leg.  This  com- 
parison will  let  you  out  of  the  difficulty,  as  it  is 
very  unusual  that  this  defect  should  be  upon  both 
legs  at  the  same  point  and  developed  to  the  same 
degree. 

A  spavin  is  undesirable  for  the  reason  that  it 
often  produces  serious  lameness,  which  frequently 
is  permanent.  As  it  is  a  bone  enlargement,  it  i% 
something  that  cannot  be  remedied.  If  you  arc 
seeking  good  horses,  better  reject  such  as  have 
any  spavin  defect. 

In  this  same  region  between  the  hock  and  the  fet- 
lock curbs  troubles  are  located.  They  appear  at 
the  lower  part  of  the  hock,  directly  behind.  You 
can  readily  detect  any  enlargement  if  you  will  step 
back  five  or  six  feet.  The  curb,  while  it  may  not 
produce  lameness,  is  altogether  undesirable.  It 
looks  bad ;  it  shows  a  weakness  in  the  hock  region 
and  often  is  caused  by  overwork,  consequently  th« 
animal  with  curb  disease  is  one  that  has  not  meas- 
ured up  to  the  work  demanded  of  him. 

Just  above  and  to  the  rear  of  the  hock  thy 
thorough-pin  disease  appears,  and  just  in  front  of 
and  slightly  toward  the  inner  side  of  the  hock  bog 
spavin  is  sometimes  to  be  found.  Lameness  may 
come  from  either  of  these  diseases.  Small  tumors, 
puffs  and  other  defects  frequently  show  themselves 
on  the  hind  legs  and  the  best  way  is  to  reject 
animals  having  them.  While  some  of  these  may 
be  caused  by  accident,  the  most  of  them  are  the 
result  of  bad  conformation,  due  to  heredity,  unim- 
proved blood  and  bad  ancestors. 

EXAMINING  FOR  LAMENESS 

Lameness  comes  from  many  causes ;  maybe  from 


EXAMINING  FOR  SOUNDNESS  AND  HEALTH        5I 

soreness,  from  disease  or  from  wounds.  And 
lameness  is  hard  to  detect.  Frequently  it  seems 
to  be  in  the  shoulder,  when  in  fact  it  is  a  puncture 
in  the  foot.  Again  it  may  seem  to  be  in  the  fet- 
lock, but  the  trouble  is  in  the  shoulder  or  fore  leg. 
You  must  examine  for  lameness  both  in  the  stable 
and  out  of  the  stable.  If  you  find  the  horse  stand- 
ing squarely  upon  three  feet  and  resting  the  fourth 
foot,  you  should  be  suspicious.  If  you  move  the 
horse  about  and  he  assumes  the  same  attitude  again 
and  still  again,  you  can  be  certain  that  he  is  as- 
suming that  position  because  he  wants  to  rest 
some  part  of  that  member. 

In  testing  out  the  horse  for  lameness,  let  no  ex- 
citement prevail.  Under  such  excitement  the  horse 
forgets  his  lameness  or  soreness  for  the  time  being, 
and  you  do  not  note  the  trouble.  A  quiet,  slow 
walk  or  trot  on  as  hard  a  road  as  possible  is  a 
desirable  sort  of  examination  to  give. 

TESTING  THE  WIND 

The  free  breathing  of  a  horse  may  be  interfered 
with,  and  for  two  reasons.  Roaring  or  whistling, 
as  it  is  called,  is  a  serious  disease  of  the  throat,  and, 
at  the  same  time,  an  incurable  disease.  The  second 
disease  is  known  as  heaves  or  bellows,  and  is  also 
a  most  serious  disease,  because  it  is  also  incurable. 
By  the  use  of  drugs  relief  may  be  given  tempora- 
rily, but  no  permanent  cure  follows.  Unscrupulous 
dealers  will  resort  to  dosing  for  the  time  being,  or 
until  a  sale  is  made. 

You  should  guard  against  this  trouble,  however, 
for  it  is  one  of  the  most  serious  that  a  horse  can 
have.  Upon  this  subject,  Butler  has  the  following 
to  say :  "  To  test  the  wind  and  look  for  two  seri- 
ous conditions  and  others  which  may  be  present. 


52  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

the  animal  should  be  made  to  run  at  the  top  of  his 
speed  for  some  considerable  distance — a  couple 
hundred  yards  or  more.  Practically  this  run  or 
gallop  should  be  up  hill,  which  will  make  the  test 
all  the  better.  After  giving  the  horse  this  gallop, 
stop  him  suddenly,  step  closely  up  to  him  and  listen 
to  any  unusual  noise,  indicating  obstruction 
of  the  air  passages,  and  also  observe  the  movements 
of  the  flanks  for  any  evidence  of  the  big  double 
jerky  expulsion  of  the  air  from  the  lungs  character- 
istic of  heavers." 

TESTING  OF  THE  PACES 

No  examination  is  complete  that  does  not  make 
a  test  of  the  paces.  You  want  to  know  how  fast 
the  horse  can  walk,  how  he  trots  or  paces  or  how 
he  takes  some  other  gait.  Some  horses  make  these 
movements  very  gracefully;  others  very  unman- 
nerly. A  well-acting  horse  is  one  that  moves 
smoothly,  regularly,  who  picks  up  his  feet  actively 
and  who  places  them  firmly  in  their  position  re- 
gardless of  the  ground  or  gait.  Some  horses  have 
a  rolling  movement  of  the  legs.  Avoid  these. 
Others  step  on  the  toe  or  heel.  These,  too,  should 
be  avoided.  They  suggest  some  defect  or  bad  con- 
formation. 

The  testing  of  the  paces  brings  all  parts  of  the 
body  into  play  and  assists  in  catching  other  blem- 
ishes or  defects  that  you  may  have  overlooked  in 
your  previous  examination.  It  gives  you  another 
opportunity  to  examine  the  wind,  to  observe  the 
respiration,  the  heart  beatings,  the  condition  of  the 
nostril  after  work ;  it  shows  you  also  how  the 
animal  takes  his  pace  and  how  he  stands.  All  of 
this  will  be  of  value  as  indicating  the  soundness 
and  health  of  the  individual  under  observation. 


EXAMINING    FOR    SOUNDNESS    AND    HEALTH         $3 

CONSIDERING  FOR  A  SPECIAL  PURPOSE 

Now,  as  a  last  factor  of  your  examination,  con- 
sider the  uses  to  which  the  animal  is  put.  If  you 
are  looking  for  breeding  animals  be  sure  to  know 
that  the  udder  is  not  injured.  Of  what  use  is  a  cow 
with  a  bad  udder?  How  often  do  we  find  a  quar- 
ter of  the  udder  destroyed  or  a  teat  cut  or  so  badly 
mangled  as  to  be  of  little  use !  Some  udders  are 
dead,  heavy,  fleshy;  some  are  diseased,  lumpy;  and 
even  though  the  animal  is  otherwise  good  you  must 
reject  her. 

If  the  udder  is  good,  superior  in  many  respects, 
and  shows  great  milk  production,  you  can  often 
afford  to  overlook  other  defects,  especially  if  the 
result  of  accident. 

In  the  case  of  horses,  a  disease  or  blemish  due  to 
accident  may  be  overlooked,  if  the  work  to  which 
the  animal  will  be  subjected  does  not  interfere, 
let  us  say,  for  breeding  purposes.  The  horse  has 
good  conformation,  good  quality,  is  healthy  and 
very  superior,  but  unfortunately  a  leg  was  broken. 
Shall  she  be  rejected  as  a  breeder?  No  heavy 
work  will  be  required  of  her — she  is  wanted  for 
colt  raising.  Take  her;  of  course  you  will  pay 
less  for  her.  This  accident  interferes  in  no  way 
with  her  value  for  breeding  purposes.  Many  cases 
of  accidental  injuries  are  similar  to  this  example 
among  cattle  and  horses. 

A  good  rule  is  to  reject  those  having  defects  or 
blemishes  that  interfere  with  functional  activity  or 
the  work  to  which  you  wish  to  put  them.  Then,  as 
breeders,  reject  all  with  constitutional  defects,  as 
bad  feet,  narrow  hocks,  coarse  disease-appearing 
bones,  and  bad  conformation  and  scrubby  character. 


CHAPTER  V 


Wounds  and  Their  Treatment 


The  stockman  has  all  sorts  of  wounds  with  which 
to  deal.     He  may  guard  his  animals  with  the  care 

and  caution  of  a  mother 
and  still  find  constant 
bother  and  worry  to 
face  in  the  daily  man- 
agement of  his  stock. 
Today  it  may  be  a 
wound  caused  by  a  nail 
puncture  in  the  foot ;  to- 
morrow a  cut  occasioned 
by  a  fence;  and  then  al- 
most immediately  an- 
other, the  result  of  a  kick 
or  a  hook ;  with  patience 
nearly  exhausted,  now 
follow  bruises  of  many 
sorts  and  unexplainable 
lacerations. 

These  troubles  occur 
on  the  best  managed 
farms.  There  is  but  one 
thing  to  do:  meet  each 
case  as  it  occurs  and  lend 
such  assistance  as  you 
can  that  nature  may  re- 
pair the  wrecked  tissue 
at  the  earliest  possible 
moment. 

54 


FRACTURES 

When  a  bone  Is  broken  into 
two  or  more  parts  it  is  said 
to  be  fractured.  These  may 
be  straight  across,  up  and 
down,  or  oblique.  Ordinary 
fractures  are  easily  treated 
by  splints,  but  sometimes 
fractures  are  so  serious  as 
to  destroy  the  value  of  the 
animal. 


WOUNDS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT  55 

THE  KINDS  OF  WOUNDS 

Wounds  fall  into  four  classes :  the  clean-cut  kind 
made  by  something  sharp;  the  torn  or  lacerated, 
where  ragged  edges  are  left;  the  bruised,  the  re- 
sult of  continued  pressure  or  kicks  or  a  knock ;  and 
the  punctured,  like  the  entrance  of  a  nail  or  splinter 
or  gunshot. 

The  latter  class  is  the  most  difficult  in  treating, 
for  the  reason  of  the  greater  penetration  that  may 
likely  occur.  In  the  case  of  gunshot,  the  wound 
may  be  on  the  surface,  or  it  may  extend  entirely 
through  the  region  attacked,  or  even  penetrate 
some  vital  organ  like  the  heart  or  the  lungs  or 
bowels,  and  either  immediately  or  within  a  few 
days  be  the  cause  of  death.  Fortunately  such 
wounds  are  rare.  The  stockman  may  never  have 
to  deal  with  them  at  all.  There  are  punctured 
wounds  that  are  common,  however;  some,  indeed, 
frequently  lead  to  death.  A  nail  wound  is  the 
most  serious,  perhaps.  It  is  likely  that  more  cases 
of  tetanus  or  lockjaw  are  due  to  nail  punctures  than 
to  all  others  combined. 

After  this  class  comes  the  lacerated  kind.  These 
heal  slowly;  the  tissue  being  torn  and  bruised  is 
repaired  only  through  the  sloughing  off  of  the  in- 
jured and  now  superfluous  parts.  As  a  result,  even 
with  the  most  attentive  surgical  help,  the  injured 
part  develops  its  exposed  sore,  ending  finally  com- 
pletely healed,  but  permanently  marked.  Bruises 
may  be  equally  bad,  long  delayed  in  healing  and 
very  painful.  Do  you  remember  the  stone  bruises 
of  boyhood  days?  How  long  it  required  to  de- 
velop! And  the  pain!  I  shall  feel  mine  for  ages' 
to  come. 


56  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

The  clean-cut  wounds,  if  not  too  serious,  are  the 
least  difficult  in  treating. 

FIRST  STEP  IN  TREATING 

The  flow  of  blood  is  usually  associated  with 
ordinary  wounds ;  other  than  with  some  bruised  and 
punctured  wounds  this  is  always  true.  Frequently  a 
nail  puncture  gives  off  no  blood  or  it  is  not  noticed. 
However,  the  blood  is  present,  for,  from  the  very 
nature  of  the  trouble,  blood  rushes  to  the  seat,  this 
being  nature's  way  of  repair.  Your  first  step, 
therefore,  is  to  check  the  excessive  blood  flow. 

If  left  to  itself  the  blood  might  do  it.  Blood  has 
the  trick  of  coagulating  or  clotting;  and  this  in 
time  will  check  the  flow.  But  you  can  assist  in 
forming  the  clot  very  simply  by  applying  some 
finely  ground  material  that  the  blood  may  be  held 
on  the  spot.  Absorbent  cotton  is  the  best  material 
to  use.  In  case  this  is  not  available,  use  something 
of  like  nature — something  that  is  clean,  not  stored 
up  with  germs.  Tea  is  good,  as  is  flour  also.  Cold 
water  acts  favorably,  and  for  the  slight,  ordinary 
surface  wounds  water  is  usually  sufficient.  A  few 
drops  of  some  antiseptic  in  the  water,  if  avail- 
able, is  always  advisable,  for  the  freshest  water 
carries  its  full  quota  of  germs,  some  of  which 
may  cause  trouble.  A  tiny  bit  of  alum  powder 
will  be  found  both  effective  and  not  painful. 

Cleansing  the  Wound. — After  the  flow  of  blood 
has  been  stopped,  cleansing  the  wound  is  next  in 
order.  All  dirt  should  be  carefully  removed,  the 
injured  flesh  cleansed,  the  torn  tissues  brought  to- 
gether and  stitched,  if  need  be,  and  antiseptics  ap- 
plied. The  water  used  in  bathing  the  wounded 
flesh  should  contain  an  antiseptic,  that  the  germs 


WOUNDS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT 


57 


present  may  be  destroyed  and  no  live  ones  admitted 
by  water  in  cleansing  the  wound.  Any  good  com- 
mercial antiseptic  will  do ;  or  the  old  common  ones, 
like  corrosive  sublimate,  one  part  in  a  thousand 
parts  of  water,  or  carbolic  acid,  a  teaspoonful  in  a 
quart   of   water.     Some    powdered    antiseptic    like 

iodoform  is  very  desir- 
able for  dusting  into  the 
wound. 

Making  the  Bandage. 
—Unless  the  wound  is 
of  little  consequence  it 
should  be  covered 
and  bandaged  that  no 
foreign  elements  be  ad- 
mitted and  that  some 
pressure  may  be  given 
to  keep  the  broken  parts 
together.  To  secure  this 
effect  absorbent  cotton, 
slightly  moistened  with 
the  antiseptic,  should  be 
laid  on  the  wound,  and 
firmly  fastened  by  strips 
of  clean  cotton  cloth. 

By  winding  this  ban- 
dage around  and  about 
the  wound,  dressed  in 
this  careful  way,  the 
wound  will  be  protected,  germs  will  be  kept  out  and 
nature,  thus  reinforced,  will  be  enabled  to  make  a 
rapid  recovery.  Unless  the  bandage  is  disturbed  in 
some  way  there  is  no  need  of  changing  it  under 
twenty-four  or  thirty-six  hours.  If,  for  any  reason, 
the  bandage  is  displaced,  dress  as  before,  and  ban^ 
dage  again. 


PANDAGING  A   LEG 

The  method  of  applying 
the  bandage  is  shown  here. 
The  bandage  may  be  wrapped 
directly  over  the  hair  or 
over  cotton  saturated  with 
an  antiseptic  and  placed  over 
the  wound. 


58  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

Special  Treatment. — When  a  cut  wound  is  deep 
or  large,  stitching  is  sometimes  required,  that  the 
broken  parts  may  be  brought  together  for  more 
rapid  healing.  Nothing  is  better  for  this  than  a 
coarse  needle  and  heavy  thread.  Before  stitching, 
however,  the  wound  should  be  bathed  as  previously 
described.  The  needle  and  thread  should  be  soaked 
in  the  antiseptic,  that  no  germs  may  be  introduced 
by  means  of  them. 

Now  you  are  ready  to  make  the  stitches.  Place 
the  needle  about  an  eighth  to  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
from  the  edge  of  the  wound  across  to  the  opposite 
side.  Bring  the  two  ends  together  and  tie,  leaving 
the  lips  of  the  wound  as  close  together  as  possible. 
If  more  than  a  single  stitch  is  necessary,  proceed 
in  the  same  way,  placing  the  second  stitch  about 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  from  the  first  one;  con- 
tinue as  with  the  first  stitch  if  more  are  necessary. 

In  case  a  needle  and  thread  are  not  available,  pins 
may  be  used  in  the  emergency.  Insert  the  pin 
through  the  two  edges  and  bring  the  lips  together, 
making  them  fast  by  a  thread  or  cord  carried  from 
one  end  to  the  other  several  times,  alternating  to 
the  right  and  left  as  presented  by  the  figure  eight. 
Sometimes  the  wound  enlarges  and  becomes  fever- 
ish. If  such  becomes  very  severe,  remove  the  fas- 
tenings and  bathe  the  wound  very  gently,  using  8 
mild  antiseptic  wash  of  tepid  water  in  which  car« 
bolic  acid  has  been  placed. 

Avoid  any  breaking  of  the  healing  tissue  and  do 
not  have  the  washing  solution  too  strong,  else  it 
may  injure  the  delicate  tissue  growth.  A  teaspoon- 
ful  of  carbolic  acid  to  a  quart  of  water  is  strong 
enough.  With  lacerated  wounds  the  treatment  is 
very  similar.  If  the  wound  goes  bad  and  becomes 
spongy  add  a  tablespoonful  of  acetate  of  lead  and 


WOUNDS  AND  THEIR   TREATMENT  59 

a  tablespoonful  of  sulphate  of  zinc  to  the  antiseptic 
solution  and  apply  twice  daily. 

Nail  Punctures. — These  very  frequently  cause 
trouble.  You  have  no  way  of  observing  the  wound 
and  your  only  way  of  judging  is  from  the  way  the 
animal  walks  or  acts,  and  if  the  hoof  is  unduly 
hot.  Locating  lameness  in  the  stifle  joint  is  a  com- 
mon but  inexcusable  error,  as  the  action  resulting 
from  lameness  in  the  two  parts  is  entirely  different. 
The  so-called  gravel  which  is  said  to  enter  the  sole 
of  the  foot  and  then  to  work  out  at  the  heel  is 
usually  the  working  out  of  the  pus  or  the  matter 
resulting  from  a  nail  puncture  or  a  bruise. 

If  an  animal  becomes  suddenly  and  severely  lame 
and  there  be  no  evidence  of  any  injury  to  any  other 
part  of  the  leg,  such  as  swelling,  heat  and  pain 
upon  pressure,  it  is  always  well  to  look  for  punc- 
ture in  the  foot.  If  the  animal  stands  with  the 
lame  foot  extended  and  when  walking  places  the 
lame  foot  well  forward  and  brings  the  well  foot  up 
to  it,  the  evidence  of  puncture  is  still  stronger. 

To  examine  the  foot  properly  the  shoe  should  be 
removed.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  merely  scrape  the 
bottom  of  the  foot  clean,  for  if  the  nail  has  pulled 
out  and  the  horn  sprung  back  in  position,  all  trace 
of  its  entrance  may  have  been  obliterated.  To  ex- 
amine the  foot  properly,  tap  the  hoof  with  a  ham- 
mer or  knife  and  the  exact  spot  may  be  definitely 
located.  If  the  injury  is  of  a  few  days'  standing, 
additional  heat  in  the  hoof  and,  perhaps,  slight 
swelling  of  the  coronet  may  also  be  present. 

In  treating  such  wounds,  pare  away  only  such 
parts  of  the  hoof  as  necessity  requires  and  intro- 
duce a  bit  of  cotton  cloth  rolled  as  a  string  by 
means  of  a  probe  of  some  kind.  Both  probe  and 
cotton  must  be  treated  with  the  antiseptic  solution. 


6t>  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

This  solution  should  be  a  little  -s^^rong-er  than  for 
flesh  wounds.  Make  the  solution  by  using  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  carbolic  acid  to  only  a  pint  of  water. 
After  the  cotton  has  been  inserted  a  few  times  and 
withdrawn,  each  time  a  fresh  cord  being  used 
and  fully  saturated,  leave  the  last  one  in  for  a  few 
hours  and  then  repeat  the  treatment.  This  should 
be  done  three  or  four  times  each  day. 

The  main  point  in  the  treatment  of  nail  punc- 
ture of  the  foot  is  to  provide  free  exit  to  all  matter 
that  may  collect  and  keep  the  parts  as  clean  as  pos- 
sible. If  this  be  done,  the  matter  will  not  be  com- 
pelled to  work  out  at  the  heels,  and  no  separation 
or  loss  of  hoof  will  occur.  Often  a  very  severe 
wound  is  made  and  the  treatment  acts  slowly. 

In  case  proud  flesh  accumulates,  it  should  be 
burned  away  by  a  hot  iron.  After  this  operation 
has  been  performed,  the  cavity  should  be  filled  with 
balsam  of  fir  and  cotton  placed  over  it,  a  piece  of 
heavy  leather  fitted  to  the  foot  and  held  fast  by  the 
replaced  shoe.  This  will  usually  end  the  difficulty. 
A  veterinarian  should  be  called  in  case  the  wound 
is  severe  or  goes  bad  as  the  treatment  progresses. 

Treating  Bruises. — In  treating  bruises  a  different 
procedure  is  necessary.  The  broken  tissue  is  con- 
cealed— beneath  the  skin  and  usually  under  the  sur- 
face muscles.  Bathing  with  water  and  acetate  of 
lead — a  quart  of  water  and  two  tablespoonfuls  of 
the  acetate — will  tend  to  lessen  the  inflammation.  In 
time  you  may  have  to  open  the  swelling  for  the  pus 
to  get  out.  After  doing  so,  inject  some  wash  for 
cleansing,  using  one  quart  of  water  and  a  table- 
spoonful  of  chloride  of  zinc. 

If  the  swelling  remains,  apply  twice  each  month 
a  salve  made  by  using  one  teaspoonful  of  biniodide 


WOUNDS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT  6l 

of  mercury  and  three  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  Wash 
occasionally,  using  the  chloride  of  zinc  solution. 

Leg  Wounds. — Cleanse  the  wound  with  a  wash 
composed  of  one  tablespoonful  of  acetate  of  lead, 
one  tablespoonful  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  four  table- 
spoonfuls  of  tincture  of  arnica  and  one  quart  of 
water.  Use  this  wash  frequently,  every  hour  or  so, 
during  the  first  day.  After  that  three  or  four  ap- 
plications will  be  sufficient.  The  sore  should  be 
kept  lower  than  the  skin  during  the  healing  proc- 
ess. If  it  tends  to  crowd  up,  apply  a  tiny  bit — ^as 
much  as  you  can  place  on  a  one-cent  piece — of 
bichloride  of  mercury.  This  will  assist  in  getting 
an  even  heal  and  the  skin  will  g^ow  over,  leaving 
no  blemish  or  swelling. 

Maggots  in  Wounds. — If  the  wound  has  been 
treated  as  suggested  above  there  is  no  possibility  of 
any  trouble  from  maggots.  These  come  from  a 
lack  of  cleanliness  and  neglect.  Of  course,  an 
animal  often  gets  a  wound  and  the  owner  is  not 
aware  of  the  mishap.  Wounds,  more  or  less  in- 
frequently treated,  those  made  as  the  result  of  cas- 
tration, occasionally  get  infected  with  maggots. 

When,  for  any  cause,  maggots  are  present,  they 
must  be  got  rid  of  at  once.  A  good  plan  is  to  use 
chloroform,  either  by  spraying  or  by  throwing  it  in 
the  wound  in  small  drops  from  a  sponge. 

The  danger  from  maggots  can  usually  be 
avoided  if  a  mixture  composed  of  one  tablespoonful 
of  turpentine,  three  tablespoonfuls  of  tar  and  two 
tablespoonfuls  of  lard  or  fish  oil  be  smeared  all 
around  the  border  of  the  wound. 


CHAPTER  VI 

Making  a  Post  Mortem  Examination 

Even  on  the  best-managed  stock  farms  some 
animals  do  get  sick  and  die.  Good  care  and  good 
nursing  may  be  given,  but  the  sick  animal  fre- 
quently does  not  recover — death  often  follows  very 
quickly,  before  you  have  an  opportunity  to  observe 
the  development  of  the  disease  or  to  secure  the 
services  of  a  veterinarian.  Then,  again,  after  a 
lingering  sickness  an  animal  dies,  the  disease  being 
known  or  unknown  as  the  case  may  be. 

In  any  event,  a  post-mortem  examination  is 
usually  desirable,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  that  it 
serves  to  familiarize  you  with  the  organs  of  the 
body.  With  a  little  experience  you  can  become 
quite  proficient  in  examining  a  dead  animal,  and 
you  can  soon  learn  the  difference  between  healthy 
and  unhealthy  organs,  between  diseased  and 
normal  tissues  and  the  relation  of  the  internal  parts 
to  the  whole  body.  A  post-mortem  examination 
thus  enables  you  to  know  the  cause  of  the  disease — 
where  it  is  located  or  whether  death  is  the  result 
of  accident  or  of  some  fatal  disturbance  of  the 
system. 

This  examination  should  be  made  as  soon  after 
death  as  possible ;  the  longer  the  delay  the  greater 
the  changes  due  to  decomposition  of  the  body  and 
its  decay  back  to  the  original  elements  from  which  it 
has  come.  Soon  after  death  the  stiffening  process 
takes  place.  This  is  known  as  rigor  mortis.  It 
may  occur  within  an  hour  after  death  and  again  it 
may  not  be  complete  until  twenty-five  or  thirty 

62 


MAKING  A  POST   MORTEM   EXAMINATION 


63 


hours  have  passed.  Soon  after  the  death  stiffening 
has  occurred  the  tissues  soften  and  decomposition 
rapidly  follows. 

FIRST  THINGS  TO  DO 

In  making  a  post-mortem  examination,  in  case 
the  animal  has  not  been  moved,  the  position  of  the 


RICKETS   IN   PIGS 

Rickets  in  pigs  is  due,  as  in  man  and  other  animals,  to  an 
improper  development  of  the  bone,  the  result  of  insufflcient 
mineral  matter  in  the  food.  The  bones  are  weak  and  bend 
or  break.  It  frequently  appears  after  the  pigs  are  weaned. 
An  abundant  supply  of  wood  ashes,  charcoal,  lime  and  salt  is 
always  good  for  hogs. 

body  is  to  be  observed.  Look  all  about  you.  Is 
there  any  evidence  of  a  struggle?  Does  either  the 
body  or  the  ground  appear  as  if  spasms  have  taken 
place?  It  may  be  a  case  of  poisoning.  If  such  be 
true,  the  outward  appearance  may  be  further  sub- 
stantiated by  the  internal  condition.  If  inflamma- 
tion and  irritation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  are 
observed,  this  evidence  helps  to  confirm  the  first 
observation. 


64  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

The  appearance  of  the  struggle,  however,  is  not 
enough  to  establish  a  case  of  poisoning;  for  strug- 
gling is  a  death  characteristic  of  many  diseases.  Of 
course,  in  making  this  preliminary  examination  you 
will  note  if  death  could  have  been  the  result  of  some 
other  reason.  Has  some  obstruction  had  anything 
to  do  with  the  trouble?  Maybe  the  animal  has 
been  caught  in  some  way  and  not  being  able  to 
move  about  has  starved  to  death,  or  maybe  some 
over-exertion  has  had  something  to  do  with  the 
trouble. 

Many  animals  choke,  and,  not  being  able  to 
relieve  themselves,  die.  Thousands  of  farm 
animals,  especially  in  the  West  and  Southwest,  die 
annually  from  cold,  and  not  a  few  from  heat.  All 
these  things  enter  into  the  case  and  must  be  con- 
sidered in  reaching  a  reasonable  conclusion. 

Observe  the  Discharges. — The  next  thing  to  do 
is  to  observe  the  discharges  from  nose,  mouth  and 
other  natural  openings  of  the  body.  External  scars 
and  wounds  often  bear  a  close  relation  to  the  dis- 
ease and  these  should  be  considered  in  examining 
the  carcass.  How  do  the  eyes  look?  Is  there  a 
discharge  from  the  ears?  Is  the  swelling  of  the 
abdomen  and  the  bloating  more  pronounced  or  dif- 
ferent than  should  be  the  case  in  ordinary  death? 
Practice  will  indicate  the  lesson  that  each  of  these 
teach. 

Accidents  and  Injury. — Farm  animals  are  often 
killed  by  stray  shots  from  the  guns  of  hunters  and 
trespassers.  A  casual  observation  will  indicate  if 
death  has  been  due  to  this.  Again,  animals  may 
die  from  distemper  or  be  eaten  up  with  lice  or 
troubled  with  itch  or  mange — ^you  will  note  thest 
facts  as  you  go  along  with  your  work. 


MAKING  A   POST   MORTEM    EXAMINATION  65 

In  the  South,  where  Texas  fever  is  so  prevalent, 
you  should  look  for  ticks,  as  these  bring  death  to 
thousands  of  animals  each  year.  Look  for  the  wee 
tiny  ones — they  cause  the  trouble.  When  cattle 
are  fairly  covered  with  the  large  ticks  death  does 
not  ordinarily  follow,  since  the  animal  has  prac- 
tically become  immune  to  the  poison  caused  by  the 
tick.  These  large  ticks,  however,  are  filled  with 
blood  and  nutriment,  both  obtained  from  the  animal, 
and  hence  they  may  rob  the  animal  of  blood  and 
nutriment  that  it  ought  to  have  itself. 

After  Removing  the  Skin. — The  skin  is  now  to  be 
removed,  so  that  the  color  of  the  tissues  and  the 
nature  of  the  blood  may  be  noted.  If  the  blood  be 
thin  or  black,  with  a  disagreeable  odor,  you  can 
expect  some  germ  trouble  like  blood  poisoning  or 
an  infectious  and  contagious  disease.  If  the  white 
tissues  are  yellow  you  may  be  reasonably  certain 
that  the  liver  has  not  done  its  work  as  it  would 
have  done  had  it  been  in  a  thoroughly  healthy 
tondition. 

In  removing  the  skin  and  making  other  observa- 
tions be  cautious  that  you  do  not  prick  your  fingers 
with  the  knife,  since  you  may  convey  in  this  way 
disease  to  yourself.  If  by  accident  a  cut  or  prick 
is  made,  cauterize  the  wound  at  once,  so  as  to 
destroy    any  germs  transmitted  in  this  way  to  you. 

EXAMINING  THE  INTERNAL  ORGANS 

The  next  step  is  to  examine  the  internal  organs. 
To  do  this,  place  the  animal  on  its  side,  remove  the 
upper  front  leg  and  the  ribs  over  the  chest  region. 
The  ribs  should  be  removed  as  near  as  possible  to 
the  backbone  so  as  to  give  an  unobstructed  open- 
ing over  the  important  organs.    This  large  opening 


(^  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

now  allows  you  free  access  for  examination,  and 
an  unimpaired  view  all  about  the  vital  organs,  if 
these  are  entirely  exposed. 

While  making  this  opening,  observe  the  watery 
fluid  as  it  escapes.  If  a  large  quantity  is  present, 
dropsy  or  a  rupture  of  the  bladder  is  indicated.  If 
the  trouble  is  due  to  the  latter,  an  odor  in  the  urine 
will  be  quickly  noted.  When  the  fluid  is  red  in 
color,  it  indicates  the  presence  of  blood  or  some 


ROUND  WORMS   IN    HOG   INTESTINE 

An  infestation  with  Intestinal  worms,  as  sliown  here,  leads 
to  unthriftiness  and  a  loss  of  flesh.  These  worms  may  be 
expelled  by  giving  turpentine  in  doses  of  one  teaspoonful  in 
milk  for  three  days   in  succession. 

inflammation  of  the  abdomen  or  the  bowels.  A 
large  amount  of  watery  fluid  in  the  chest  cavity  is 
an  indication  of  some  lung  trouble ;  this  is  further 
indicated  by  the  tiny  attachments  running  between 
the  lungs  and  the  chest  wall. 

Stomach  and  Intestines. — If  the  stomach  and  in- 
testines be  abnormally  red,  congestion  is  indicated, 
and  if  they  be  quite  dark,  even  purple  in  color,  you 
may  be  sure  that  some  kind  of  inflammation  has 


MAKING  A  POST   MORTEM   EXAMINATION  6/ 

been  the  trouble.  You  will  note  also  if  the  stomach 
is  hard  and  compacted;  and,  if  so,  indigestion  may 
have  been  the  trouble.  The  intestines  will  also 
show  if  they  be  hard  and  compacted  or  in  any 
otherwise  bad  condition.  Pass  the  hands  along  to 
see  if  the  intestines  are  knotted  in  any  place  or  if 
nails  are  present  in  the  stomach.  It  is  not  likely 
that  the  nails  have  been  the  direct  cause  of  death, 
but  this  fact  helps  to  indicate  the  condition  of  the 
digestion  trap. 

Often  hair  balls  or  parasites  will  be  found ;  either 
may  clog  up  the  channel  and  may  be  the  immediate 
cause  of  death.  I  have  on  more  than  one  occasion 
found  that  the  fuzz  of  crimson  clover,  accumulating 
in  the  intestines  of  horses,  rolls  up  into  a  hard, 
compacted  ball,  and  not  being  able  to  pass  out,  be- 
comes an  obstruction  in  the  passageway  and 
ultimately  causes  death. 

Kidneys  and  Bladder. — The  urine  tells  its  tale 
also;  a  very  disagreeable  odor  indicates  some  dis- 
turbance ;  and  a  brownish  or  dark-red  color  may 
indicate  a  local  disease  or  a  constitutional  break- 
down. Texas  fever  in  cattle  produces  a  very  dark 
or  reddish  urine,  Azoturia  in  horses,  a  similar  color. 
Gallstones  or  gravel  are  often  found  in  the  bladder, 
and  these  frequently  cause  serious  disturbance,  if 
not  death. 

Lungs. — Look  the  lungs  over  carefully.  See  if 
the  natural  color  is  present  and  if  the  soft,  spongy 
constituency  responds  to  the  same  kind  of  touch 
as  does  the  thoroughly  healthy  lung.  In  health 
the  lungs  are  a  very  light  pink  color.  If  inflamma- 
tion has  been  present  this  will  be  indicated  by  the 
dark  color  and  the  hard  density. 

When  the  lung  is  cut  apart  with  the  knife  further 
observation    should   be    made.     A   marble   appear- 


68  THE  FARMER'S  VETERINARIAN 

ance  indicates  inflammation  and  hard  lumps  or 
tubercles  indicate  tuberculosis.  These  tubercles, 
when  cut  open,  show  pus  and  a  cheeselike  material, 
yellow  in  color — a  true  indication  of  the  disease. 

Other  Observations. — You  should  feel  the  heart 
to  know  if  it  is  natural  or  not,  or  to  see  if  any  of 
the  valves  are  broken,  or  if  some  inflammation  has 
been  back  of  the  trouble.  The  sides  of  the  open 
cavity  should  be  observed  before  leaving.  Is  it 
spotted,  speckled?  Are  pink  spots  seen  about  the 
ribs?  This  is  an  indication  of  hog  cholera,  and  in 
itself  may  lead  to  a  correct  interpretation  of  the 
disease. 


CHAPTER  VII 
Common  Medicines  and  Their  Actions 

The  common  medicines  used  in  treating  farm 
animals  are  named  in  the  following  list,  together 
with  origin,  action,  use,  and  dose. 

ACONITE 

Tincture  of  aconite  is  derived  from  the  root  of  a 
plant.  When  used,  the  heart  beats  more  slowly 
and  the  blood  pressure  is  decreased,  making  the 
medicine  desirable  in  cases  of  inflammation. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  from  lo  to  30 
drops,  and  sheep  and  hogs  5  to  10  drops. 

ALOES 

This  is  usually  bought  in  a  powder  form.  It  is 
brown  in  color  and  bitter  in  taste.  Considerable 
time  transpires  before  action  in  the  bowels  takes 
place.  Allow  at  least  24  hours.  It  is  a  physic  and 
blood  purifier. 

Dose :  For  horses,  4  to  5  tablespoonfuls ;  cattle, 
4  to  8  tablespoonfuls ;  sheep,  i  to  2  tablespoonfuls ; 
and  pigs,  i  to  2  tablespoonfuls. 

ALUM 

This  mineral  salt  is  used  in  washes  for  sore 
mouth  and  throat,  and  cleansing  wounds.  It  may 
be  dusted  into  wounds  in  powder  form,  and  is  both 
drying  and  healing. 

Dose :    Use  a  tablespoonful  to  a  pint  of  water. 
n 


70  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

ANISEED 

This  preparation  is  made  from  dried  berries  and 
ground.  It  stimulates  digestion,  sweetens  the 
stomach,  and  serves  as  a  tonic  and  appetite  maker. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  a  tablespoonful, 
and  for  sheep  and  pigs,  a  teaspoonful. 

ARNICA 

For  v^ounds,  sprains,  and  bruises,  tincture  •£ 
arnica  is  both  cooling  and  restful.  It  is  made  from 
the  dried  flowers  of  a  plant,  and  is  for  external  use. 
Apply  three  or  four  times  daily. 

ARSENIC 

This  medicine  comes  from  the  mineral  kingdom 
and  is  very  powerful.  In  using  better  get  it  in 
some  standard  medicinal  form  such  as  Fowler's 
Solution.  It  is  used  as  a  tonic  when  the  stomach 
is  bad  and  the  system  run  down. 

Dose:  Fowler's  Solution;  for  horses  and  cattle, 
2  tablespoonfuls ;  sheep,  i  teaspoonful ;  pigs,  one- 
half  teaspoonful.  In  giving  to  stock  mix  with  4 
tablespoonfuls  of  whiskey,  and  either  use  as  a 
drench  or  add  to  mash  or  gruel. 

BELLADONNA 

This  is  a  tincture  made  from  a  plant.  When 
used  it  soothes,  softens,  and  relaxes  the  parts  to 
which  applied.  It  checks  inflammation  and  re- 
lieves pain,  but  must  be  carefully  used. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  teaspoonful; 
sheep,  10  drops;   pigs,  5  drops. 


COMMON    MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ACTIONS  7I 

BUTTER  OF  ANTIMONY 

This  preparation,  taken  from  a  mineral,  is  not 
used  internally.  It  is  a  powerful  caustic.  Its  prin- 
cipal use  is  for  curing  thrush  in  horses'  feet. 


TETANUS  BACILLI 

How  the  germs  look  under  the  microscope.     The  poison  pro- 
duced by  them  is  one  of  the  most  violent  known  in  disease. 

BROMIDE  OF  POTASSIUM 

This  comes  as  a  white  crystal  or  powder,  and  is 
used  to  quiet  the  nerves  when  some  trouble  like 
lockjaw  has  set  in. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  teaspoonful; 
sheep  and  hogs,  one-half  teaspoonful. 

BINIODIDE   OF   MERCURY 

This  bright  red  powder  is  used  chiefly  for  blister- 
ing purposes.     It   is   excellent   when   a  spavin   or 


•^2  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

splint  or  ringbone  is  just  beginning.  In  preparing, 
use  oniQ  part  of  the  mercury  to  nine  parts  of  vase- 
line or  lard.  Remember,  it  is  a  poison,  and  must 
be  carefully  handled,  as  is  true  of  some  other  prep- 
arations of  mercury. 

CAMPHOR 

The  camphor  of  commerce  is  in  the  form  of  a  gum 
obtained  from  a  tree  by  boiling  and  evaporation. 
It  is  used  in  mixtures  for  coughs,  sore  throat,  and 
heaves.  It  is  good  also  for  colic  and  diarrhoea  and 
assists  in  lessening  pain.  It  should  be  given  in 
water. 

Dose:  For  horses,  2  to  4  teaspoonfuls ;  cattle, 
4  to  5  teaspoonfuls ;  pigs  and  sheep,  2  teaspoonfuls. 

CANTHARIDES  OR  SPANISH  FLY 

This  is  in  the  form  of  powder,  and  is  an  irritant. 
For  use  it  should  be  thoroughly  mixed  with  lard  or 
vaseline.  One  teaspoonful  of  the  cantharides  to  4 
tablespoonfuls  of  lard  or  vaseline.  When  so  pre- 
pared it  is  excellent  as  a  blister.  It  can  be  applied 
for  sweat  thickenings  or  lumps  on  any  part  of  the 
body  that  is  not  on  the  bone.  It  should  not  be 
used  on  curbs  or  tumors  and  is  not  used  internally. 

CARBOLIC  ACID 

This  is  got  from  coal  tar  and  petroleum.  When 
full  strength  and  pure  it  is  in  the  form  of  crystals, 
but  is  generally  bought  as  a  liquid.  It  is  a  disinfectant 
and  an  antiseptic,  and  while  used  internally  for 
some  purposes,  is  largely  used  internally  in  washes 
and    solutions.      Its    principal    use    is    in    bathing 


COMMON    MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ACTIONS  73 

wounds  and  sores.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to 
have  a  wash  contain  too  much  of  the  acid,  as  it 
will  burn  the  wound  and  stop  the  healing  action. 
It  is  a  corroding  poison  taken  internally.  It  should 
be  just  strong  enough  to  kill  bacteria;  say,  i  part 
to  1,000  parts  of  water.  A  very  good  healing  salve 
is  made  when  5  drops  of  pure  carbolic  acid  is  used 
to  4  tablespoonfuls  of  vaseline. 

CORROSIVE  SUBLIMATE 

This  is  used  externally  as  an  antiseptic  and  dis- 
infectant. Dissolve  I  part  to  100  parts  of  water. 
It  is  a  preparation  of  mercury,  is  poisonous,  but 
excellent  for  bathing  wounds  and  open  sores. 

CASTOR  OIL 

This  oil  is  pressed  from  castor  beans.  It  is  a 
mild  physic  similar  to  raw  linseed  oil.  It  is  not 
used  much  for  live  stock. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  I  pint;  for  sheep, 
one-quarter  pint,  and  for  pigs,  4  tablespoonfuls. 

CALOMEL 

This  is  a  heavy  white  powder  and  a  mineral.  Its 
principal  action  is  as  a  physic,  and  it  has  a  cleansing 
effect  on  the  liver.  Hence  it  is  used  for  all  kinds 
of  liver  troubles.  When  dusted  in  old  sores,  it  is 
splendid  for  healing  and  drying  up. 

Dose:  For  horses,  one-half  to  i  teaspoonful; 
cattle,  I  to  2  teaspoonfuls ;  sheep  and  pigs,  one- 
eighth  teaspoonful. 

CROTON  OIL 

This  oil  is  made  from  seeds,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  powerful  physics  known.     It  should  never  be 


74  THE   FARMER  S   VETERINARIAN 

used  until  milder  physics  do  not  respond.     Use  it 
as  a  last  resort. 

Dose:  For  horses,  15  to  20  drops;  cattle,  30  to 
40  drops ;  sheep,  5  to  10  drops ;  and  pigs,  2  to  3  drops. 
In  giving,  it  is  best  to  use  in  connection  with  raw 
linseed  oil;  of  the  linseed  oil  use  i  pint  for  horses 
and  cattle  and  one-quarter  pint  for  sheep  and  pigs. 

CAUSTIC  POTASH 

This  chemical  is  most  easily  used  when  pur- 
chased in  pencil-like  sticks.  It  is  never  given  in- 
ternally, but  is  used  to  burn  warts  and  growths  by 
wetting  the  stick  and  rubbing  it  over  them.  It  is 
also  used  for  burning  poisonous  wounds  to  kill  the 
poison.  It  is  commonly  employed  for  dishorning 
calves.  When  a  week  or  ten  days  old,  and  the 
button  of  the  horn  is  just  appearing,  rub  the  potash 
over  the  horn.  This  usually  insures  destruction  of 
the  horn  substance.  Wet  the  stick  of  potash.  See 
that  drippings  do  not  run  down  the  animal's  head. 
In  order  to  protect  the  fingers,  when  using,  wrap 
paper  around  the  stick. 

CREOLIN 

This  is  the  product  of  coal  tar  and  comes  in  the 
form  of  a  thick,  dark  fluid,  and,  like  tar,  is  harmless. 
It  is  frequently  used  as  the  basis  of  salves  for 
wounds,  scratches,  and  like  troubles.  It  is  a  very 
effective  remedy  for  killing  lice,  ticks,  or  fleas,  and 
is  used  as  a  remedy  when  sheep  are  afflicted  with 
mange  and  scab. 

Dose :  Use  from  2  to  4  tablespoonfuls  to  a  pint 
of  water  and  shake  well  before  using.  Make  up  a 
small  quantity  at  a  time,  as  creolin  thus  made  loses 


COMMON    MEDICINES   AND   THEIR   ACTIONS  75 

its  value  after  exposure.  For  disinfecting  purposes, 
I  part  of  creolin  to  lOO  parts  of  water  is  satisfac- 
tory. 

GENTIAN 

This  is  the  root  of  a  plant,  dried  and  ground.  It 
is  used  principally  as  a  tonic,  and  is  very  bitter; 
commonly  found  in  condition  powders  and  is  given 
to  animals  that  are  weak  and  run  down.  If  used 
alone,  give  twice  a  day  in  the  food  and  place  on  the 
tongue  with  a  spoon. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  tablespoonful ; 
for  sheep,  a  teaspoonful ;  pigs,  one-half  teaspoonful. 

GINGER 

This  is  a  dried  root  ground  fine,  secured  from  a 
plant,  and  acts  as  a  stimulant,  relieving  gases  that 
accumulate  in  the  stomach.  It  is  an  excellent  in- 
gredient to  use  in  colic  and  indigestion  prepara- 
tions. If  given  alone,  doses  may  be  repeated  every 
two  or  three  hours. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  tablespoonful; 
sheep,  I  small  teaspoonful ;  pigs,  one-half  teaspoon- 
ful. 

HYPOSULPHITE  OF  SODA 

This  salt  is  frequently  used  in  combination  with 
gentian,  equal  parts  of  both,  and  in  other  recipes 
for  condition  powder.  It  cleans  the  blood  and 
builds  up  the  system  after  weakening  diseases.  A 
common  preparation  is  made  by  using  one-half  of 
powdered  gentian  and  one-half  of  hyposulphite  of 
soda.  Mix  all  together  and  give  two  or  three  times 
a  day  to  the  animal  needing  it. 


y6  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  tablespoonful ; 
sheep,  I  teaspoonful;   pigs,  one-half  teaspoonful. 

IODINE 

This  dark  brown  tincture  is  not  often  used  in- 
ternally, but  is  used  as  a  sweat  blister  and  for  blis- 
tering thickened  glands.  In  using,  take  a  feather, 
painting  the  iodine  on  the  lump  until  it  blisters; 
when  the  blister  appears,  grease  the  part ;  after  two 
or  three  days  have  passed,  wash  the  lump  with 
warm  water  and  soap  and  blister  again. 

IODIDE  OF  POTASSIUM 

This  white  powder  is  obtained  from  the  mineral 
kingdom.  When  given  internally  it  acts  as  an  ab- 
sorbent. It  is  commonly  used  in  cases  of  dropsy 
of  the  belly.  In  administering,  use  equal  parts  of 
ground  gentian  root  and  give  twice  a  day. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle  a  teaspoonful;  for 
sheep  and  pigs,  one-half  teaspoonful. 

LINSEED  OIL 

This  oil  is  obtained  from  flaxseed,  and  is  excel- 
lent when  a  mild  physic  is  desired.  The  easiest 
and  most  effective  way  of  giving  to  animals  is  in 
the  form  of  a  drench.  About  i  pint  should  be  used 
for  horses  and  cattle.  Raw  linseed  oil  is  usually 
preferred  to  the  boiled. 

LAUDANUM 

This  is  made  from  opium  and  is  used  both  in- 
ternally   and    externally.     It    is    commonly    used 


COMMON    MEDICINES   AND   THEIR   ACTIONS  TJ 

where  there  is  pain,  hence  it  is  excellent  for  reliev- 
ing pain  and  spasms  and  assists  also  in  checking 
inflammation. 

Dose  :  For  horses  and  cattle,  4  to  6  teaspoonf uls ; 
sheep  and  pigs,  2  to  4  teaspoonfuls. 

NUX  VOMICA 

This  powder  comes  from  ground  seeds,  and  is 
used  as  a  nerve  stimulant.  It  is  very  efficacious  for 
strengthening  weak,  debilitated  animals.  A  com- 
mon way  is  to  mix  equal  parts  of  gentian  and  pow- 
dered nux  vomica  thoroughly  together.  This  may 
be  given  as  a  drench,  or  in  the  feed  or  placed  at 
the  back  of  the  tongue  with  a  spoon. 

Dose :  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  teaspoonful  three 
times  a  day ;  for  sheep  and  pigs,  one-half  teaspoon- 
ful. 

NITRATE  OF  SILVER 

This  comes  in  the  form  of  white  penciled  sticks. 
It  is  excellent  for  burning  off  warts,  proud  flesh  in 
cuts  and  growths  on  any  part  of  the  body.  Just 
wet  the  stick  and  rub  it  on  the  parts.  Of  course, 
be  careful  that  your  fingers  are  protected  from  the 
chemical.     It  is  a  poison  taken  internally. 

NITRATE  OF  POTASH 

This  is  frequently  called  saltpeter,  and  comes  as 
a  white  crystal  or  powder.  It  is  used  for  kidney, 
lung  and  blood  troubles.  It  has  a  very  acute  action 
on  the  kidneys,  causing  them  to  secrete  an  extra 
amount  of  urine. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  teaspoonfui; 
sheep  and  pigs,  one-half  teaspoonful. 


■2$  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

SULPHATE  OF  COPPER 

This  is  commonly  known  as  blue  vitriol  or  blufc- 
stone.  It  is  excellent  when  given  internally  for 
checking  discharges,  especially  those  of  a  chronic 
catarrhal  nature.  It  may  also  be  used  as  a  wash 
for  wounds,  when  a  weak  solution  is  made,  and  ma}'' 
be  dusted  on  the  wound  every  day  or  two  in  case 
proud  flesh  forms. 

SULPHATE  OF  IRON 

Green  vitriol,  or  copperas,  as  it  is  commonly 
known,  is  a  si)lendid  mineral  tonic,  and  is  com- 
monly used  in  combination  with  gentian,  equal 
parts  of  the  two.  Use  when  the  system  is  badly 
run  down.     It  is  also  excellent  as  a  worm  powder. 

Dose :  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  teaspoonful  three 
times  a  day;    sheep  and  pigs,  one-half  teaspoonful. 

SUGAR  OF  LEAD 

This  is  frequently  called  acetate  of  lead.  It  is 
seldom  used  internally,  but  quite  generally  exter- 
nally for  healing  washes,  particularly  for  the  eye. 

SWEET  SPIRITS  OF  NITER 

This  sweet-tasting  and  smelling  preparation  is 
obtained  from  alcohol,  and  is  in  the  form  of  a  clear 
liquid.  It  acts  upon  the  kidneys  and  skin  and  is 
commonly  given  in  the  drinking  water  of  animals. 
It  is  used  in  combination  with  other  medicines  for 
colic  and  indigestion.  It  thus  acts  upon  the  bowels 
and  stomach  and  relieves  pain  and  dissipates  the 
gases.  In  giving  to  animals  mix  in  a  pint  of  luke- 
warm water  and  give  as  a  drench. 


COMMON    MEDICINES  AND  THEIR  ACTIONS  79 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  2  to  4  tablespoon- 
fuls ;   for  sheep  and  pigs,  i  to  2  teaspoonfuls. 

SPIRITS  OF  TURPENTINE 

This  is  the  ordinary  turpentine  known  by  all.  It 
is  excellent  in  cases  of  acute  indigestion  and  colic, 
and  is  destructive  to  bots  and  the  long  round 
worms  in  horses.  When  used  externally  it  is  as  a 
liniment.  When  used  internally  a  small  quantity 
is  given  with  raw  linseed  oil. 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  4  tablespoonf uls ; 
for  sheep  and  pigs,  i  tablespoonful. 

SALTS 

The  two  common  salts  used  for  live  stock  are 
Epsom  and  Glauber.  Epsom  salts  are  most  fre- 
quently used,  the  chief  action  being  as  a  physic. 
Aloes  take  the  places  of  salts  for  horses,  as  it  is 
believed  these  are  much  better  than  the  mineral 
salts.  In  giving  salts  to  cattle,  the  drench  is  most 
satisfactory. 

Dose:  Use  i  quart  of  warm  water  in  which 
place  I  tablespoonful  of  ginger  and  i  tablespoonful 
of  common  soda.  To  this  add  i  pint  to  i^  pints  of 
salts  and  dissolve  by  shaking  or  stirring.  For 
sheep  and  pigs,  one-quarter  of  this  amount  is  suf- 
ficient. 

SULPHUR 

This  yellow  powder  is  well  known  and  is  a  great 
medicine  when  given  internally.  It  acts  on  the 
blood  and  purifies  it.  It  is  excellent  also  for  kill- 
ing parasites  or  germs  in  the  skin,  hence  it  is  good 
for  all  diseases.  When  used  internally  it  is  best 
to  combine  with  gentian  root.  Give  once  a  day  for 
a  short  period. 


80  THE   farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

Dose:  For  horses  and  cattle,  i  tablespoonful ; 
sheep  and  pigs,  i  teaspoonful. 

SOME  COMMON  PRESCRIPTIONS 

Colic  Mixture. — Laudanum,  i6  tablespoonfuls ; 
aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia,  12  tablespoonfuls; 
sulphuric  ether,  2  tablespoonfuls;  tincture  of  aco- 
nite, 10  drops ;  ginger,  16  tablespoonfuls.  Dissolve 
in  a  pint  of  water.  From  10  to  20  tablespoonfuls 
of  this  can  be  given  in  one-half  pint  of  water.  If 
relief  is  not  secured,  repeat  in  a  half  hour,  follow 
with  a  third  dose,  then  with  another,  giving  the 
doses  one-half  to  one  hour  apart. 

Fly  Blister. — Powdered  cantharides,  2  teaspoon- 
fuls;  gum  camphor  powdered,  2  tablespoonfuls; 
lard,  8  tablespoonfuls.  After  thoroughly  mixing, 
rub  in  5  to  10  minutes,  depending  on  the  severity 
of  the  blister  desired. 

Red  Blister. — Gum  camphor  powdered,  2  table- 
spoonfuls; biniodide  of  mercury,  2  teaspoonf uls ; 
lard,  8  tablespoonfuls.  This  should  be  rubbed  in 
from  5  to  10  minutes. 

Cough  Mixture. — Belladonna,  2  tablespoonfuls; 
pulverized  opium,  2  tablespoonfuls ;  gum  camphor, 
pulverized,  2  teaspoonfuls ;  chloride  of  ammonia,  2 
tablespoonfuls ;  sulphur,  4  tablespoonfuls.  An  easy 
way  to  give  this  is  to  mix  with  molasses  and  flour 
until  a  paste  is  secured 

Soothing  Ointment. — Laudanum,  8  tablespoon- 
fuls; aconite,  4  tablespoonfuls.  This  is  excellent 
for  sprains,  and  relieves  the  pain  and  soreness  when 
applied  to  a  part  where  there  is  much  inflammation. 

Hoof  Ointment. — Raw  linseed  oil,  one-quarter 
pound;  crude  petroleum  oil,  one-quarter  pound; 
neat's-foot  oil,  one-quarter  pound ;  pine  tar,  one- 
quarter  pound.     Mix  well  and  apply  every  night 


COMMON   MEDICINES   AND  THEIR  ACTIONS 


8l 


with  a  brush  all  over  and  under  the  hoof.  A  little 
in  the  hair  above  will  do  no  harm.  Clean  out  the 
hoof  before  applying. 

Physic  Drench  for  Horses. — Aloes,  8  teaspoon- 
fuls ;  common  soda,  i  teaspoonful ;  ginger,  i  tea- 
spoonful.     Dissolve  these   in  a  pint  of   lukewarm 


READY    FOR    THE    DRENCH 
A  simple  device  for  giving  drenclies  to  horses. 


water  and  give  as  a  drench.     The  horse  should  be 
allowed  rest  the  day  following  its  use. 

Physic  Drench  for  Cattle. — Epsom  salts,  i  pound ; 
ginger,  i  tablespoonful ;  common  soda,  i  tablespoon- 
ful.  Dissolve  in  a  quart  of  lukewarm  water  and 
give  as  a  drench.  It  is  a  splendid  general  physic 
for  cows,  and  can  be  given  at  any  time  when  they 
are  thought  not  to  be  thriving  as  they  should. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

The  Meaning  of  Disease 

Any  departure  from  a  normal  condition  is  dis- 
ease. The  body,  composed  of  different  organs  and 
parts,  is  in  a  healthy  state  when  each  of  these 
performs  its  natural  functions.  Thus  the  normal 
mind  is  concerned  with  normal  mental  acts;  any 
disturbances  of  the  brain  or  spinal  cords  is  imme- 
diately manifested  in  the  action  of  the  animal; 
likewise  frequently  a  disturbance  elsewhere  may 
later  have  its  effect  on  the  mental  system. 

Disease  may  result  from  some  external  cause 
like  from  a  wound,  from  food  causing  poison  or 
derangement  of  the  digestive  system,  from  water 
introducing  impurities,  from  parasites  that  disturb 
normal  functions,  disorganize  tissue  or  produce 
toxines,  or  from  other  abnormal  conditions — all  of 
which  interfere  with  the  normal  functions  of  one 
or  more  organs,  regions,  or  parts. 

In  most  cases  the  disturbances  are  readily  recog- 
nized. Swellings,  bruises  and  wounds  are  located 
at  a  glance.  When  blood  passes  from  nose,  ears 
or  intestines,  a  key  to  the  trouble  is  at  hand. 
Coughs  have  their  story.  And  vomiting,  diarrhoea, 
convulsions,  spasms,  abnormal  breathing  or  tem- 
perature each  indicates  at  what  points  an  abnormal 
condition  is  evident. 

Disease,  Both  General  and  Local. — Some  diseases 
lead  to  disturbance  throughout  the  entire  body. 
For  instance,  pus  may  accumulate  at  some  point 
from  which  it  finds  its  way  into  the  blood,  in  the 
end  reaching  to  other  parts  of  the  body  that  in  time 
also  become  affected. 


THE   MEANING  OF  DISEASE  83 

Those  diseases,  with  which  fever  is  associated,  are 
general  in  nature.  The  nerve  centers  are  influenced, 
the  body  heat  is  increased  and  a  weakened  condi- 
tion prevails.  Back  of  this  are  the  disease  poisons 
— chemical  poisons  or  germ  poisons. 

When  the  temperature  of  the  body,  as  a  result 
of  fever,  rises  too  high  certain  life  principles  are 
changed  and  death  immediately  follows.  A  tem- 
perature of  106®  or  107°  is  very  high,  and,  there- 
fore, very  dangerous.  In  treating  disease  the  tem- 
perature is  watched,  that  the  course  of  the  fever 
may  be  followed.  Treating  a  fever,  then,  is  helpful 
and  a  natural  part  of  the  treatment  of  the  disease 
itself.  The  basis  of  the  curative  process  rests  upon 
the  principle  of  proper  circulation  and  the  excre- 
tion of  the  impure  substances. 

CAUSES  OF  DISEASE 

In  the  first  place  most  diseases  arise  from  mis- 
management. The  very  principles  at  the  bottom 
of  good  health  receive  no  consideration  and  little 
thought.  On  some  farms  it  is  seldom  that  a  case 
of  disease  is  heard  of;  K>n  others,  stock  are  under 
treatment  at  all  times.  Where  order  prevails, 
where  cleanliness  is  appreciated,  where  disease- 
producing  conditions  are  never  allowed  to  accum- 
ulate or  even  gain  an  introduction,  health  is  the 
rule  and  disease  the  exception.  When  the  latter 
appears,  it  is  due  to  some  outside  influence  that 
gave  it  admission. 

The  greatest  mischief  in  handling  farm  stock 
comes  from  improper  food,  filthy  or  impure  drink- 
ing water,  bad  ventilation  of  stables,  overwork,  or 
lack  of  exercise  and  poor  sanitary  conditions. 

Disease,  therefore,  is  largely  due  to  causes  within 
control  of  the  owner  of  the  farm  stock.    True,  one 


84  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

source  of  trouble  is  due  to  mechanical  causes: 
horses  get  nail  punctures,  legs  and  necks  and  head 
are  cut  in  fences,  blows  bring  bruises.  But  whose 
fault?  Certainly  not  the  animal.  Old  boards  with 
nails  ought  not  to  be  left  in  all  sorts  of  places, 
fences  should  be  protected,  and  stable  fixtures, 
gates  and  harnesses  should  be  in  such  order  that 
only  in  rare  cases  will  injury  result. 

Disease  from  Chemical  Causes. — Poisonous  ma- 
terials and  poisonous  plants  cause  death  to  thou- 
sands of  animals  annually.  Of  great  importance  to 
the  stock  interests  is  the  rapid  destruction  of  these 
harmful  products.  Fortunately  in  the  older  sec- 
tions these  are  about  eliminated  now,  and  we  are 
also  understanding  more  about  the  molds  that  lead 
to  bad  results  when  moldy  forage  is  given  as  feed 
to  farm  animals.  In  time  disease  will  be  consider- 
ably lessened  when  only  clean,  wholesome  food 
finds  its  way  into  the  mangers  and  feed  rack^ — 
then  disease  will  depart  and  more  rapid  gains  will 
come. 

Heredity  Plays  a  Part. — Despite  caution  and 
care,  health  is  often  disturbed  because  of  hereditary 
influences.  Thanks  to  science,  we  know  now  that 
many  of  the  old  bugbears  of  the  past,  and  once  so 
entrenched,  have  become  dislodged,  and  their  true 
import  set  right  before  the  owner.  Tuberculosis, 
for  instance,  once  so  dreaded  in  both  man  and 
beast,  is  now  known  not  to  be  handed  down  from 
parent  to  progeny;  it  is  a  germ  disease,  pure  and 
simple,  and  gets  its  start  just  as  many  other  ail- 
ments— through  breath,  or  drink,  or  feed.  There 
are  hereditary  troubles,  however,  that  continue 
down  through  many  generations.  The  narrow  hock 
of  the  horse  invites  curb  diseases;  the  narrow 
chest  is  a  good  breeding  ground  for  tuberculosis 


THE   MEANING  OF  DISEASE  8$ 

germs ;  straight  pasterns  are  bad  for  the  feet ;  poor 
conformation  is  not  consistent  with  efficiency  or 
easy  functional  activity. 

These  examples  clearly  show  that  form  and  type 
and  physical  characteristics  have  roles  to  play  in 
animal  economy  and  in  health  to  which  the  wise 
stockman  will  give  heed. 

Germs  and  Parasites. — In  addition  to  the  above 
causes  of  disease,  another  class  is  before  us  ready 


6        m\  Jc       d**     X. 


\;(i»/ 
/i\/ 


« 


BACTERIA   AS    SEEN    UNDER    THE    MICROSCOPE 

o.     Spirillum,     h.    Micrococcus,     c.  Micrococcus,     d.  Strep- 
tococcus,    e,  f,  g,  h,  Rod-shaped  bacteria,     t  and  /,  Divisions. 

to  inflict  its  injury  at  all  times.  Indeed,  it  is 
a  class  of  the  greatest  importance.  I  refer  now 
to  parasites,  bacteria,  and  germs,  which  cause  more 
loss  to  live  stock  than  all  others  combined.  Think 
of  hog  cholera,  a  germ  disease ;  of  tuberculosis,  a 
germ  disease ;  of  stomach  worms,  parasites ;  of  stag- 
gers, a  mold  disease ;  of  abortion,  a  germ  disease ; 
and  hundreds  of  like  nature,  all  due  to  parasites 
and  germs,  disease  agents  that  disturb  and  destroy 


86  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

the  delicate  organs  or  exposed  regions,  as  the  case 
may  be,  regardless  of  age,  value,  or  breed. 

Of  course,  remedies  and  treatment  are  being 
worked  out  to  meet  these  individual  diseases  as 
they  occur.  Nevertheless,  the  best  treatment  is 
prevention.  It  is  far  better  to  prevent  than  to 
cure;  and  that  is  the  line  of  action  especially  for 
this  class.  Indeed,  it  is  far  easier  to  understand 
the  simple  laws  of  prevention  than  the  complicated 
curative  processes.  Especially  is  this  true  since 
germs  are  known  and  isolated,  and  their  rapid  de- 
struction with  air,  sunlight,  and  disinfectants 
understood  and  available. 

ORIGIN  OF  DISEASE 

Enough  has  now  been  said  to  indicate  that  dis- 
ease originates  as  a  reaction  between  the  cause  of 
it  and  the  body.  Withhold  food,  and  starvation — 
the  disease — follows.  Withhold  fresh  air  and  oxy- 
gen, and  the  tissue  breaks  down ;  disease  results  as 
a  reaction  from  the  normal  use  of  air  and  the  de- 
mands of  the  body  for  oxygen.  Allow  bacteria 
admission  to  the  body  and  settlement  in  the 
tissues  or  organs  most  agreeable  to  each  particular 
one,  and  these  will  grow,  multiply,  and,  unless 
overcome  by  the  natural  resistance  of  the  body, 
will  conquer  and  destroy,  causing  sooner  or  later 
death  and  decay. 

Immunity  Sought  by  Inoculation. — Many  dis- 
eases that  now  yield  to  no  curative  treatment  are 
being  met  by  inoculation.  By  this  method  the  body 
is  reinforced  by  serum  injections,  that  disease  germs 
and  infections  may  be  warded  off,  or  in  case  of  at- 
tack, be  so  fortified  against  the  disease  germs  as  to 
destroy  them  or  render  them  inactive. 


^  THE  MEANING  OF  DISEASE  87 

Some  Animals  More  Resistant  to  Disease. — ^An 

infectious  and  contagious  disease  may  affect  a  herd 
or  flock,  destroying  few  or  many.  Some  may  never 
be  affected  and  yet  be  subjected  to  exposure  and 
contagion;  such  are  immune  and  resist  this  par- 
ticular disease.  Others  may  suffer  a  mild  attack, 
but  throw  it  off  with  no  disastrous  consequence; 
such  are  strong  and  their  organs  ably  fortified 
against  any  injurious  inroad  by  the  disease.  On 
the  other  hand  the  majority  in  a  flock  or  herd  is  not 
so  able  to  throw  off  the  disease  for  the  reason  of 
being  predisposed  by  nature  to  such  attacks ;  their 
very  susceptibility  invites  attack,  and  if  the  infec- 
tion is  intensely  virulent  the  affected  body  will 
most  likely  yield  and  death  follow. 

THE  COURSE  OF  DISEASE 

Each  disease  possesses  its  own  peculiar  char- 
acteristics, which  are  more  or  less  conspicuous  in 
each  individual  case.  Then,  too,  some  diseases  de- 
velop quickly  and  end  quickly.  Others  run  a  course 
of  several  weeks;  and  still  others  several  months 
or  even  years.  The  first  class  is  acute,  the  second 
chronic.  In  both  kinds  nature  is  at  work  endeav- 
oring always  to  effect  a  cure ;  and,  unless  other 
complications  arise,  the  result  of  improper  food,  bad 
sanitary  quarters,  bad  air,  or  conditions  not  con- 
ducive to  health,  recovery  will,  in  most  cases,  result. 
The  great  drawback  to  rapid  recovery  comes  from 
the  outside  influences  that  counteract  the  curative 
processes  of  the  body  itself.  Good  nursing,  good 
air,  proper  food,  are  back  of  rapid  recovery. 

Most  diseases  have  been  carefully  studied,  and 
their  course  of  development  has  been  mapped  out. 
Our  veterinarians  know,  in  a  general  way,  how  fever 


88  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

acts  in  live  stock.  If  an  animal  is  inoculated  with 
Texas  fever  g-erms,  the  veterinarian  knows  the 
course  of  the  disease  beforehand.  In  a  general  way, 
he  knows  when  the  fever  will  begin,  how  long  it 
will  last,  when  it  will  be  at  its  highest  point,  and 
when  it  will  disappear.  He  knows  all  of  this,  even 
before  he  makes  the  inoculation.  Yet  no  disease 
invariably  runs  the  same  course  in  different  in- 
dividuals. In  fact,  the  virulence  of  bacteria  have 
much  to  do  with  the  course ;  mild  cases  occur 
usually  when  the  germ  is  weak,  and  severe  cases 
when  the  germs  are  very  virulent.  This  explains 
why  some  attacks  of  measles  or  Texas  fever  or  hog 
cholera  are  more  fatal  than  other  attacks  in  other 
places,  or  at  other  seasons  of  the  year. 

Typical  Courses  the  Rule. — It  is  in  rare  cases 
only  that  a  regular  course  is  not  followed  by  most 
diseases.  Take  an  infectious  disease.  The  period 
of  incubation  comes  first;  this  follows  up  the  in- 
fection. During  this  period,  no  change  in  the 
animal  is  observed.  He  seems  well,  acts  well,  and 
does  his  work  well.  Nevertheless,  all  the  time, 
during  this  period  of  infection,  the  germs  are  de- 
veloping, multiplying,  gaining  headway,  and  so 
entrenching  themselves  that  illness  and  disorder 
will  soon  follow.  The  period  of  infection  varies 
in  different  animals  and  in  different  diseases.  It 
may  take  two  or  three  weeks  for  development,  or 
as  few  as  two  or  three  days. 

Following  the  period  of  infection  comes  the 
period  of  eruption.  At  this  stage  the  typical  char- 
acteristics are  observed.  At  the  next  step  the  dis- 
ease reaches  its  height  with  the  animal  under  its 
complete  dominion.  But  only  temporarily.  If 
properly  nursed  and  treated,  with  most  diseases, 
the  animal  will  pass  through  the  period  and  recover. 


THE   MEANING   OF  DISEASE  89 

The  final  stage  is  the  period  of  improvement. 
The  battle  that  has  been  waged  between  the  body 
and  the  disease  is  now  about  ended.  The  disease 
germs  have  been  routed  and  the  body  has  been 
victorious.  All  that  now  remains  is  the  clearing 
away  of  the  debris.  In  this  case  it  is  scattered 
throughout  the  body  system.  The  damage  that  has 
been  done  is  to  be  repaired  and  left,  if  possible,  as 
near  to  the  original  condition,  as  the  nature  of  the 
disease  will  allow.  The  period  of  improvement  will 
vary  in  different  diseases  and  in  different  animals. 
Recovery  may  occur  in  a  few  days,  in  some  cases, 
and  in  others  weeks  and  months  will  be  required. 
A  change  of  feed  or  pasture  or  work  is  usually 
necessary  if  the  most  rapid  recovery  would  be  had. 
In  some  cases,  nothing  other  than  absolute  rest  will 
suffice. 

THE  TERMINATION  OF  DISEASES 

After  the  disease  has  run  its  course,  the  body 
usually  returns  to  its  former  normal  condition. 
There  seems  to  be  a  limit  to  what  the  disease  can 
do.  A  healthy  body  may  be  attacked,  but,  in  the 
end,  disease  retires,  having  used  itself  up.  There 
are  diseases,  however,  that  leave  their  marks  in 
many  ways.  And  these  become  permanent  marks. 
With  many  of  these  all  of  us  are  acquainted. 
Smallpox  is  one.  The  pits  over  the  face  record  the 
fierce  battle  that  was  fought.  The  same  is  true 
of  wasted  tissues,  with  scars  that  conspicuously 
mark  the  track  along  which  blood  poison  has  trav- 
eled. The  shrunken  hoof  of  the  foundered  horse 
tells  the  adverse  termination  of  that  disease. 

While  recovery  may  be  more  or  less  complete, 
the  effect  is  to  seriously  injure  the  worth  and  value 
of  the  individual.    There  is  a  long  list  of  this  kind. 


90 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


Other  diseases  act  differently  in  another  way. 
They  progress  slowly,  are  not  noticeable  at  first, 
but  in  the  end  are  incurable.     Take  glanders  as  a 


RESULT  OF  BONE  SPAVIN 

Pictured  here  is  a  natural  tiock  free  from  disease  and  a 
diseased  hock,  the  result  of  bone  spavin.  The  bone  Is  seriously 
affected  and  the  easy  action  prevented. 


typical  case.  It  quietly  and  silently  develops,  often 
taking  months  or  years  in  reaching  the  stage  of 
eruption  or  before  it  becomes  apparent.  During 
all  this  time,  and  even  after  the  disease  is  recog- 


THE   MEANING   OF  DISEASE  9I 

nizable,  the  animal  goes  on  about  his  duties  with 
no  apparent  trouble.  The  disease,  however,  is 
progressing  all  the  time ;  in  the  end  it  conquers  its 
victim,  the  final  stages  are  reached,  and  the  animal 
dies. 

The  stock  raiser  is  concerned  with  different  dis- 
eases in  so  far  as  they  mean  slow  or  rapid  recovery, 
and  particularly  if  they  be  contagious  or  not.  His 
entire  herd  will  be  impaired  if  glanders  is  intro- 
duced into  it.  One  tuberculosis  cow  will  convey 
the  disease  to  all  susceptible  individuals  in  the  herd 
to  which  she  belongs,  especially  if  stabled  in  a  tight 
barn  during  the  winter  seasons  when  little  or  no 
ventilation  is  intentionally  provided. 


CHAPTER  IX 

Diagnosis  and  Treatment  of  Disease 

Some  diseases  are  not  difficult  to  diagnose.  Those 
resulting  from  wounds  or  knocks  are  easily  located, 
and  their  treatment  readily  outlined.  Others,  how- 
ever, are  not  so  easy.  Something  is  observed  as 
wrong,  the  animal  acts  strangely,  does  not  take  to 
its  food,  is  fretful,  stands  or  walks  unnatural — what 
is  the  matter?  The  stockman  must  ascertain  the 
trouble,  and  the  quicker  the  better. 

A  review  of  the  past  few  days  is  desirable.  Where 
has  the  animal  been?  What  kind  of  food  has  it 
had  ?  With  what  strange  fellows  has  it  associated  ? 
Has  it  been  put  to  excessive  work  or  exposed  to 
unusual  weather  or  conditions?  What  infectious 
diseases  are  prevalent  in  the  community?  These 
and  other  questions  will  occur;  in  some  instances 
the  answer  will  be  at  hand. 

MAKE  A  PHYSICAL  EXAMINATION 

The  stockman  should  at  least  know  the  funda- 
mental principles  of  health  and  of  any  departure 
from  them  that  indicate  disease.  Hence  a  super- 
ficial examination  of  the  animal,  as  a  whole,  is  in 
line  of  diagnosing  the  disease.  Note  the  general 
condition  of  the  body.  The  thermometer  will  ad- 
vise you  rightly.  Is  there  pain?  If  possible 
determine  this  point  and  locate  the  seat  of  it.  Is 
the  circulation  natural?  An  examination  of  the 
pulse  will  tell  you  if  the  blood  is  racing  rapidly  or 
gliding  slowly,  and  whether  regular  or  rough.     Is 

92 


DIAGNOSIS   AND  TREATMENT   OF   DISEASE  93 

the  respiration  as  it  should  be?  Count  the  num- 
ber a  minute  that  you  may  know  if  the  number 
is  more  or  less,  or  is  as  it  should  be.  On  listening 
to  the  lungs,  heart,  and  blood  vessels,  certain 
sounds  are  heard  which  change  with  disease — 
normal  and  heart  murmurs.  Whether  or  not  an 
organ  contains  air  can  be  determined  by  percus- 
sion, since  solid  organs,  the  lungs,  for  instance,  in 
pneumonia,  give  a  different  sound  from  those  con- 
taining air  as  they  are  normally.  Air-containing 
organs — lungs  and  intestines — may  thus  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  solid  ones  adjoining  them.  In 
this  way  their  varying  size  in  health  and  disease 
may  be  determined. 

Your  examination  should  go  further  and  include 
the  natural  discharges — the  dung,  the  urine,  the 
nose  moisture  and  the  "  look  of  the  eye."  In  cases 
of  fever  the  urine  is  scanty  and  deeply  colored.  In 
Texas  fever,  for  instance,  the  urine  is  dark  red. 
In  azoturia  in  horses,  it  varies  from  a  light  color 
to  a  deep  brown  or  black.  The  nature  of  the  dung 
should  be  observed,  if  watery  or  dry,  soft  or  hard, 
scanty  or  profuse. 

Taking  the  Pulse. — Stand  at  the  left  side  of  the 
horse  and  run  the  finger  along  the  lower  jaw  until 
you  come  to  the  point  where  the  artery  crosses  the 
jaw  on  its  lower  edge.  This  will  be  found  about  two 
inches  forward  from  its  angle.  Right  here  is  the  large 
muscle  and  at  the  front  edge  the  pulsations  may  be 
caught.  To  get  the  pulse  of  the  cow,  stand  at  the 
left  side,  reach  over  the  neck  and  take  it  from  the 
right  jaw. 

In  the  horse  the  normal  pulse  beats  are  from 
35  to  40  per  minute  and  may  go  to  lOO  in  disease. 
In  the  cow  the  pulsations  run  from  45  to  50  in 
health.     The  pulse  relates  its  story  very  accurately 


94  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

and,  with  practice,  can  be  constantly  used  in  diag- 
nosing the  nature  of  the  ailment.  For  instance,  a 
soft  pulse,  one  that  is  easily  compressed  by  the 
finger,  indicates  bronchitis.  A  hard  pulse,  one  not 
easily  depressed  by  the  finger,  indicates  acute  in- 
flammation. A  hard  pulse  may  be  quick  and  bound- 
ing and  forceful.  An  irregular  pulse,  one  that  beats 
fast  for  a  time,  then  slowly,  indicates  a  weakened 


FEELING  THE    PULSE 

The  heart  beat,  as  It  Is  called,  may  be  felt  by  placing  the 
fiBger  over  any  of  the  superficial  arteries.  The  submaxillary 
artery  as  it  passes  under  the  edge  of  the  lower  jaw  close  to 
the  bone  is  a  convenient  vessel  for  the  purpose. 

heart  condition.  A  slow,  full  pulse,  one  that  comes 
up  gradually  to  the  finger  touch,  indicates  some 
brain  trouble. 

Taking  the  Temperature. — While  the  heat  of  the 
body  may  be  surmised  by  touch  and  feeling  this  is 
not  a  reliable  guide  as  to  the  temperature.  A  self- 
registering  thermometer,  inserted  into  the  rectum, 
is  the  only  reliable  means  for  getting  this  desirable 
information.  In  a  state  of  health  the  temperature 
of  the  horse  ranges  from  loo"  to  102.5**. 


DIAGNOSIS  AND   TREATMENT   OF   DISEASE  95 

When  the  temperature  rises,  inflammation  is  in- 
dicated, A  fall  in  temperature  below  norm.al 
denotes  loss  of  strength,  vitality,  and  death.  If  the 
temperature  rises  three  or  four  degrees  above 
normal,  the  case  is  serious,  and  a  rise  of  five  or  six 
is  very  dangerous.  Animals  seldom  survive  when 
the  rise  reaches  above  107°  or  108°. 

A  good  clinical  thermometer  should  be  in  the 
possession  of  every  stockman.  It  costs  but  little, 
and  its  aid  in  recognizing  and  treating  disease  is 
helpful,  if  not  absolutely  indispensable. 

Taking  the  Respiration. — In  breathing  two 
movements  are  observed — taking  in  and  sending 
out  the  air.  In  health  the  respiration  is  usually 
constant,  ranging  from  10  to  14  in  the  horses,  and 
from  15  to  20  in  cattle.  Breathing  is  faster  in 
young  animals ;  and  exercise  increases  the  number 
of  respirations  per  minute. 

Any  disease  of  the  respiratory  organs  will  cause 
the  breathing  to  be  short  and  rapid  and  labored. 
If  the  number  of  respirations  seem  more  than 
normal,  some  disturbance  is  indicated.  If  the  pulse 
is  faster  at  the  same  time,  illness  is  at  once  in- 
dicated, and  the  trouble  should  be  sought  at  once. 

THE  TREATMENT  OF  DISEASE 

The  first  eflFort  in  treating  disease  is  to  remove 
the  cause.  This  is  sometimes  done  very  easily. 
Mange  and  lice  are  quickly  destroyed  by  washes 
and  disinfectants. 

Bright,  fresh,  wholesome  food  and  pure  water 
easily  replace  bad  food  and  water  to  the  permanent 
good  of  the  stock.  Cattle  ticks  quickly  disappear 
when  the  grease  brush  is  applied.  And  so  in  every 
direction  you  take  to  fight  the  disease:  find  the 


g6  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

cause  and  then  remove  it,  and  half  the  battle  is 
fought. 

If  disease-producing  germs  cannot  be  killed  at 
the  moment,  it  is  still  possible  to  diminish  their 
number  or  to  modify  their  virulence.  Thus  to  open 
an  abscess  is  to  remove  the  pus-producing  bacteria, 
and  hence  to  hasten  recovery.  To  wash  a  w^ound 
or  open  sore  with  antiseptics  is  the  simplest  way 
to  remove,  diminish,  and  destroy  the  evil  of  the 
sore. 

Helping  the  Body  Fight. — When  disease  sets  in 

a  battle  begins.  One 
combatant  is  the  disease 
itself,  the  other  the  body. 
Your  work  is  to  render 
assistance   to    the    body. 

^  *^-vl^^^$^^§?r?  ^    ^^  many  cases  your  help 

will   not   be   needed.      In 

HOW  HEAT  AFFECTS       Others     you     can     render 

GROWTH  incalculable  aid.     Here  is 

At  the  end  of  24  hours  in   where  medical  aid  begins 

a   but    seven    bacteria  have   and  ends :  to  care  for  and 

developed,     the     temperature 

being  50  degrees.     In  b  700   nurse  and  make  the  body 

have    developed    in    the   same       ^  .i     ,    •  i 

time,    but    in    a    temperature    Strong  that  it  may  be  VIC- 

of  70  degrees.  torious,    quickly,    if    pos- 

sible, but  without  fail,  in  the  end.  Medicines  are  help- 
ful if  they  diminish  the  work  of  the  diseased  organ, 
giving  in  this  way  time  for  the  body  cells  to  bring 
about  a  cure.  Therefore  rest  and  quietness  are 
advisable,  that  no  organ  may  be  called  upon  for  any 
effort  but  normal  function  and  repair.  A  disease  of 
the  heart  calls  for  absolute  rest,  of  the  intestines 
for  little  or  no  irritating  or  bulky  or  hard  food,  of 
the  lungs  for  no  exposure.  At  times  it  is  advisable 
to  check  the  activity  of  an  organ,  in  which  case  a 


DIAGNOSIS   AND  TREATMENT   OF   DISEASE  97 

drug  may  be  given,  like  opium,  to  quiet  the  intes- 
tines, or  like  aconite,  to  diminish  the  rate  of  the 
blood  flow. 

In  the  same  way  external  assistance  may  be  ren- 
dered; as,  for  example,  sweating — to  throw  off 
poison  in  the  tissue  juices;  and  blanketing — to 
maintain  an  even  temperature  and  to  protect  from 
chill  and  draught. 

ADMINISTRATION  OF  MEDICINES 

Medicines  are  conveyed  into  the  body  as 
drenches,  balls,  enemas,  and  injections  under  the 
skin  or  into  the  veins.  There  is  nothing  mysterious 
about  any  of  them. 

Giving  Medicines  in  a  Ball. — The  practice  of  giv- 
ing medicines  in  a  ball  is  a  very  old  one,  and  has 
much  to  recommend  it.  Many  nauseous  agents 
as  aloes,  opium,  arsenic,  asafetida,  are  thus  con- 
veyed to  the  stomach  without  causing  annoyance 
and  disgust  to  the  patient.  The  balls  are  wrapped 
in  paper,  dough,  or  gelatin  capsules,  and  may 
weigh  an  ounce  or  two.  In  giving  a  ball  the  fol- 
lowing plan  is  usually  followed:  Hold  the  ball 
between  the  thumb  and  first  two  fingers.  Now 
seize  the  tongue  at  about  its  middle  and  gently 
draw  it  out  to  the  side  of  the  mouth,  in  such  a  way 
that  the  right  hand  may  be  inserted  into  the  mouth 
and  the  ball  placed  far  back  on  the  tongue,  when 
the  hand  is  withdrawn,  the  tongue  replaced  and  the 
halter  or  strap  wrapped  around  the  jaws  until  the 
ball  is  swallowed. 

Giving  Medicines  in  a  Drench. — The  drench  is 
usually  employed  for  liquid  medicines.  It  is  best 
to  dilute  the  medicines  with  water,  milk,  or  oil  that 
they   may   more    readily   reach    the    stomach    and 


98  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

at  the  same  time  exercise  no  injury  to  the  struc- 
tures through  which   they  pass. 

In  giving  a  drench  exercise  as  much  patience  as 
possible.  To  horses  it  should  be  given  slowly.  If 
there  is  any  disposition  to  cough,  lower  the  head, 
and  then  proceed  as  before. 

Poultices. — These  are  made  of  a  variety  of  things, 
bread,  bran,  and  linseed  meal  being  the  most  com- 
mon. Any  substance  that  will  hold  water  and  re- 
tain heat  will  serve  the  purpose. 

Mustard  Plasters. — These  are  made  with  mus- 
tard and  water,  cold  water  being  the  most  desir- 
able. Mix  to  a  thin  paste.  If  the  part  to  which 
the  plaster  is  to  be  applied  is  covered  with  thick, 
long  hair,  a  very  thin  plaster  will  more  quickly 
soak  into  the  skin.  This  kind  of  plaster  is  most 
commonly  applied  to  the  throat,  the  windpipe,  the 
sides  of  the  chest,  the  abdomen  and  over  the  region 
of  the  liver.  To  get  the  best  effect  for  the  last 
named,  apply  on  the  right  side  at  a  point  four  or 
five  inches  behind  the  back  ribs. 

Blistering. — The  first  step  in  blistering  is  the 
clipping  of  the  hair  over  the  diseased  part,  and  the 
removal  of  dirt  and  scurf  attached  to  the  skin.  The 
blister  is  to  be  worked  into  the  skin,  and  usually 
ten  minutes  of  rubbing  will  be  necessary  to  produce 
the  desired  results. 

In  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours  blisters  will 
form,  and  some  swelling  in  the  region  is  likely  to 
be  manifest.  On  the  third  day  bathe  the  part  with 
warm  water  and  soap.  After  drying,  apply  vase- 
line, lard,  or  sweet  oil.  The  blister  should  be  re- 
peated if  the  results  of  the  first  blister  do  not  bring 
about  a  cure. 

Firing. — The  hot  iron  is  a  very  useful  agent  in 
treating  many  cases  of  chronic  lameness  and  bone 


DIAGNOSIS  AND   TREATMENT   OF   DISEASE  99 

diseases.  In  performing  such  an  operation  have 
the  iron  at  a  full  red  and  white  heat  and  touch  the 
part  gently  with  just  sufficient  pressure  to  make  a 
distinct  impression.  But  one  leg  should  be  fired  at 
a  time. 

It  is  desirable  to  shave  the  hair  closely  to  the 
skin  before  applying  the  iron.  The  day  following 
the  firing  spread  over  the  wound  any  common 
wound  oil  like  neat's-foot  oil  or  vaseline.  Daily 
applications  are  called  for  until  the  swelling  sub- 
sides. Unless  a  period  of  rest  is  given  after  the 
operation,  the  best  results  will  not  be  had.  Many 
bone  diseases  return,  or  are  never  cured,  because 
complete  recovery  never  occurred  in  the  first  place. 
Work  and  exertion  only  aggravate  the  cases,  often 
leaving  them  in  a  worse  condition  than  before  the 
firing. 

CARING  FOR  SICK  ANIMALS 

In  the  first  place  keep  them  clean.  If  necessary 
wash  them  daily,  especially  the  parts  liable  to  get 
filthy  and  dirty.  In  fever  cases  a  gentle  spong- 
ing, every  few  hours  during  the  day,  is  desirable. 
Vinegar  added  to  tepid  water  is  very  good. 

Animals  in  feverish  or  chilly  condition  can  be 
assisted  by  blankets  and  bandages.  These  are  very 
helpful  in  warding  ofif  congestion  of  the  internal 
organs  and  in  maintaining  an  even  temperature  of 
the  body.  Any  warm  rug  or  blanket  that  is  clean 
and  light  will  serve. 

In  bandaging  the  legs,  endeavor  to  get  an  equal 
pressure  at  all  points.  A  long  roll  is,  therefore, 
best,  and  several  layers  should  be  wrapped  around 
the  member.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  remove  the 
bandage,   replacing  with  another  at  least  once  a 


100  THE   farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

day,  and  two  a  day  are  better.  When  a  bandage 
is  removed,  the  skin  should  be  washed  and  rubbed 
with  the  hand  and  fingers,  and  the  covering  re- 
placed as  promptly  as  possible. 

Food  and  Drink. — During  sickness  only  easily 
digestible  food  should  be  provided.  Offer  some- 
thing different  from  the  ordinary,  and  let  it  be 
prepared  in  an  appetizing  form.  Nothing  is  better 
than  gruels  and  mashes.  These  are  soft,  nourish- 
ing, appetizing,  and  easily  digested.  When  active 
nutrition  is  demanded,  milk  and  eggs  can  be  added 
to  the  ordinary  gruels  or  mashes. 

Water  should  be  available  at  all  times.  Small 
amounts  at  frequent  intervals  are  better  than  large 
amounts  at  intervals  far  apart.  In  a  few  instances 
only  is  it  best  to  withhold  the  water.  In  treating 
dysentery,  diarrhoea  and  diabetes  water  is  usually 
withheld,  but  in  most  diseases  a  free  use  is  allow- 
able and  desirable. 


'% 


CHAPTER  X 

Diseases  of  Farm  Animals 

ABORTION.— The  expulsion  of  the  fetus  at  a 
period  too  young  to  live  exterior  of  its  mother  is 
known  as  abortion.  This  ailment  may  afflict  cows, 
mares,  sows,  and  ewes,  but  is  most  common  among 
cows. 

Abortion  may  be  divided  into  two  classes, 
namely,  accidental  and  contagious.  If  we  had 
nothing  but  the  accidental  form  of  abortion  to  con- 
tend with  we  would  hear  very  little  about  this  dis- 
ease, owing  to  the  fact  that  it  is  perfectly  natural 
for  animals  to  carry  their  young  full  time,  regard- 
less of  how  much  they  may  be  punished  or  abused 
while  in  this  condition  if  their  system  be  free  from 
the  germs  of  contagious  abortion.  On  the  other 
hand,  contagious  abortion  is  a  very  destructive  dis- 
ease, causing  heavy  losses  to  the  stockmen  of  the 
United  States  as  well  as  to  other  countries.  Con- 
tagious abortion  is  divided  into  two  classes,  namely, 
acute  and  chronic.  Cows  afflicted  with  the  acute 
form  of  abortion  may  lose  from  one  to  three  calves. 
Cows,  after  passing  from  the  acute  to  the  chronic 
form  of  abortion,  may  carry  their  calves  full  time, 
but  are  as  badly  affected  with  the  germs  of  con- 
tagious abortion  as  they  were  in  the  acute  form, 
when  they  were  losing  their  calves. 

Perhaps  the  greatest  damage  brought  about  with 
cattle  afflicted  with  the  chronic  form  of  abortion  is 
the  shortage  of  milk.  Animals  afflicted  with  acci- 
dental abortion  show  very  few  marked  symptoms 
before  they  abort.    Animals  afflicted  with  contagious 


102 


THE   FARMER'S   VETERINARIAN 


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SSS3S3S^SS;3^S3!3 


DISEASES  OF   FARM   ANIMALS  IO3 

abortion  have  a  number  of  marked  symptoms, 
namely,  little  red  patches  of  infection  on  the  lining 
of  the  vulva,  and  there  may  also  be  present  a 
catarrhal  discharge.  The  sheath  of  the  herd  bull 
in  the  acute  form  of  the  disease  has  a  catarrhal  dis- 
charge, while  the  symptoms  of  calves  is  a  swelling 
of  the  glands  of  the  throat  from  ear  to  ear.  These 
last  named  symptoms  do  not  appear  in  accidental 
abortion. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  germs  of  contagious 
abortion  are  found  in  the  mothers'  blood,  in  the 
genital  organs  of  the  cow  and  the  bull,  and  in  the 
stables  wherein  they  are  housed,  it  has  been  posi- 
tively decided  that  the  only  reliable  and  effectua. 
treatment  for  contagious  abortion  is  the  hypodermic 
treatment,  which  destroys  the  germ  in  the  mother's 
blood.  The  genital  organs  of  the  cow  and  bu/*" 
should  be  washed  out  with  the  antiseptic  solution 
made  of  i  pint  of  corrosive  sublimate  to  1,000  parti 
of  water,  and  the  germs  contained  in  the  stables 
wherein  afflicted  animals  are  housed  should  be  de- 
stroyed by  disinfectants.  In  this  way  the  disease 
is  met  at  every  turn,  and  it  is  impossible  for  the 
disease  of  contagious  abortion  to  exist  when  thus 
handled. 

ABSCESS. — A  collection  of  pus  in  a  new-formed 
cavity  in  the  body.  It  has  a  well-defined  wall  sur- 
rounding it.  An  abscess  is  the  result  of  entrance 
of  micro-organisms  into  the  body.  They  may  have 
entered  through  wounds  or  into  the  hair  follicles, 
or  abscesses  may  result  from  infectious  diseases, 
as  strangles  or  distemper  in  the  horse.  At  the  seat 
of  the  abscess  formation  swelling  occurs,  the  part 
feels  warmer  than  the  surrounding  tissue,  is  pain- 
ful to  touch,  and  hard.  These  conditions  are  due 
to  the  inflammation  of  the  part.     Later  it  becomes 


104  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

soft,  less  sensitive,  and  fluctuates,  which  shows  that 
it  is  coming  to  a  head,  or  that  the  pus  is  collecting. 
If  the  skin  is  white  it  will  show  a  yellow  color  in  the 
center,  which  is  usually  raised  above  the  surface, 
and  the  hair  falls  out.  This  soon  breaks  and  dis- 
charges pus. 

It  is  advisable  to  hasten  the  ripening  of  the 
abscess  by  hot  applications  in  form  of  poultices, 
or  a  large  pack  of  cotton  saturated  with  hot  bi- 
chloride of  mercury  i  part  to  i,ooo  parts  of  water, 
or  use  some  one  of  the  coal  tar  dips  i  part  to  50 
parts  of  water.  The  application  of  a  light  blister 
will  often  hasten  ripening.  When  the  pus  has  col- 
lected or  the  abscess  has  come  to  a  head,  it  should 
be  opened  at  the  lowest  part  in  order  to  give  free 
drainage  to  the  pus  contained  within. 

Great  care  should  be  used  in  opening  abscesses — 
not  to  cut  blood  vessels  which  might  be  in  tHe 
vicinity.  In  case  the  abscess  breaks  of  its  own 
accord,  it  is  often  necessary  to  enlarge  the  opening, 
in  order  to  give  free  drainage  for  the  pus.  If  the 
abscess  is  large  or  deep-seated  it  should  be  washed 
out  each  day  with  bichloride  of  mercury  i  part  to 
water  1,000  parts,  or  with  a  2  per  cent  solution  of 
some  one  of  the  coal  tar  dips.  After  it  is  opened  do 
not  apply  bandages,  as  they  prevent  the  free  escape 
of  pus.  Do  not  allow  the  opening  to  close  until  it 
heals  from  the  bottom ;  or,  in  other  words,  as  long 
as  it  secretes  pus,  for  there  is  danger  of  its  breaking 
out  again.  If  the  opening  is  too  high  up,  or  not 
large  enough,  it  may  result  in  a  running  sore  or 
fistula. 

ACTINOMYCOSIS.— Called  lumpy  jaw,  because 
of  the  frequency  of  the  swelling  located  on  the  jaw. 
It  is  due  to  the  entrance  of  a  specific  organism,  a 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS 


los 


fungus,  into  the  tissues.  This  causes  an  inflamma- 
tion, with  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  tissue,  as 
shown  by  the  enlargement  and  in  which  an  abscess 
is  formed.  Adult  cattle  are  the  only  animals  com- 
monly affected  with  this  disease,  but  occasionally 
nearly  all  classes  of  domestic  animals  may  be  af- 
fected. A  number  of  cases  have  also  been  reported 
in  man,  but  the  disease  in  cattle,  being  localized  to 


LUMPY  JAW 
An  exterior  view  showing  location  of  lumpy  jaw. 

a  small  region  of  body,  usually  the  head,  there  is 
little  danger  of  transmission  from  animal  to  man 
in  eating  beef. 

The  symptoms  are  recognized  by  the  character- 
istic tumor,  usually  observed  on  the  jaw,  either  of 
the  bone  or  of  the  soft  tissues  in  that  vicinity.  It 
may,  however,  affect  the  tongue,  or,  in  fact,  nearly 
any  of  the  organs  of  the  body.  Its  development  is 
more  or  less  of  a  slow,  constant  growth,  beginning 
with  a  very  small  nodule,  but,  when  allowed  to  run 


I06  THE   farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

its  course,  may  reach  the  size  of  a  cocoanut,  or 
larger.  On  reaching  some  size,  it  usually  ruptures 
and  from  it  discharges  a  thick,  yellowish  pus.  It  is 
to  be  distinguished  very  largely  by  its  commonly 
affecting  cattle,  its  location,  its  slow  growth  and  its 
firm,  hard  consistency,  and  finally  a  discharge  of  pus 
from  it. 

Treatment  consists,  if  of  small  size  in  the  soft 
tissues,  of  complete  excision  by  the  knife.  But,  if 
of  larger  size,  or  when  the  bone  or  large  blood  ves- 
sels are  involved,  Recourse  should  be  had  to  the 
internal  administration  of  iodide  of  potash  from  one 
to  two  teaspoonfuls  in  a  drench  of  a  quart  of  water, 
or,  in  some  instances,  it  may  be  given  in  the  drink- 
ing water  once  daily.  This  should  be  continued  for 
a  week  or  ten  days,  when  the  treatment  should  be 
discontinued  for  a  like  time,  and,  if  necessary,  re- 
peated several  times. 

AFTERBIRTH,  RETENTION  OF.— This  is  a 
condition  resulting  from  the  failure  of  the  mother  to 
pass  the  membranes  after  the  birth  of  her  young.  It 
happens  most  frequently  in  cases  of  abortion,  or 
when  birth  occurs  before  time.  There  is  usually  more 
or  less  of  a  mass  of  the  membranes  hanging  from 
the  opening,  which  occasionally  reaches  to  below  the 
hock,  or  even  to  the  ground.  When  fresh  it  looks 
somewhat  like  the  intestines,  but  if  exposed  to  the 
air  for  some  time  it  is  grayish  in  color,  especially 
when  it  begins  to  decompose.  The  odor  is  very 
offensive,  and  the  discharge  soils  all  the  hind  parts 
of  the  animal.  In  these  cases  the  health  of  the 
animal  suffers,  and  fever  frequently  results,  with  a 
loss  of  appetite  and  flow  of  milk.  The  fever  and 
inflammation  of  the  parts  may  go  so  far  as  to  cause 
the  death  of  the  animal. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  IO7 

The  afterbirth  should  never  be  allowed  to  remain 
over  three  days  in  the  cow,  nor  over  twenty-four 
hours  in  the  mare.  In  the  mare,  sow,  or  bitch 
gently  pulling  on  the  membranes,  at  the  same  time 
twisting  them  easily,  will  often  bring  them  out 
without  injury  to  the  animal.  With  the  cow  it  is 
different.  Here  the  membranes  are  "  buttoned " 
on  in  tufts,  and  the  pulling,  and  especially  the 
twisting,  usually  makes  matters  worse  and  injures 
the  uterus. 

After  removing  the  membranes  there  always  re- 
mains in  the  uterus  a  quantity  of  fluid,  which  should 
be  washed  out  with  water  a  little  cooler  than  the 
blood  of  the  animal,  adding  about  a  teaspoonful  of 
carbolic  acid  or  other  good  antiseptic  to  each  gallon 
of  water  and  mixing  well.  The  hands  and  arms  of  the 
operator  should  be  absolutely  clean,  and  during  the 
operation  should  be  kept  covered  with  carbolized 
oil  or  carbolized  soap  and  water.  In  mares,  es- 
pecially, care  should  be  taken  not  to  injure  the 
parts,  as  inflammation  sets  in  very  much  quicker 
than  in  the  cow.  Several  gallons  of  the  above 
solution  should  be  injected  as  soon  as  the  condition 
is  noticed,  and  a  warm  bran  mash  fed  to  the  animal 
occasionally  will  help  her  general  health. 

ANEMIA. — A  deficiency  of  red  blood  corpuscles. 
The  animal  is  scanty  of  flesh,  hide  bound  and  in  a 
general  run-down  and  debilitated  condition.  The 
disease  is  sometimes  called  hollow  horn.  Treat- 
ment consists  of  better  food  and  care.  The  feed 
should  be  of  a  nature  such  as  will  enrich  the  blood 
and  build  up  the  system.  Food  of  a  succulent  nature, 
like  roots,  green  grass,  or  ensilage,  will  help  out. 
A  tonic,  made  as  follows,  will  be  helpful :  Two 
teaspoonfuls  of  sulphate  of  iron,  i  teaspoonful  of 
powdered    nux    vomica,    and    4    tablespoonfuls    of 


I08  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

ground  gentian  root.     Add  this  to  the  food  each  day 
for  a  week  or  ten  days. 

ANTHRAX,  OR  CHARBON.— An  acute,  infec- 
tious disease  of  plant-eating  animals,  which,  under 
favorable  conditions,  attacks  flesh-eating  animals  as 
well.  It  is  caused  by  a  microbe  which  enters  the  cir- 
culating blood  and  by  multiplication  therein  causes 
its  rapid  destruction,  and  the  death  of  the  animal. 
The  disease  is  as  old  as  human  history.  It  exists  in  all 
countries  and  in  all  latitudes.  It  was  formerly  very 
destructive  to  human  life,  as  well  as  to  animals. 
There  is  no  disease  which  attacks  more  different 
kinds  of  animals  than  anthrax,  nor  one  which  is 
more  deadly.  Also,  there  is  no  disease  which  is 
harder  to  deal  with  from  the  sanitary  point  of  view ; 
nor  harder  to  stamp  out.  The  reasons  for  this 
will  be  shown  later  on. 

Soil  is  the  prime  factor  in  preserving  and  prop- 
agating the  microbe,  when  it  is  naturally  wet, 
impermeable,  and  rich  in  decomposing  animal  and 
vegetable  matter.  The  microbe  of  anthrax  may 
enter  the  body  by  several  channels.  It  may  be 
taken  in  with  the  food  or  drink.  It  may  be 
breathed  into  the  lungs.  It  may  enter  through 
abraded  surfaces  on  the  skin.  It  may  be  inoculated 
into  the  body  by  biting  insects. 

There  are  several  forms  of  the  disease  and  these 
are  determined  by  the  modes  of  entrance  of  the 
virus.  One  form,  which  occurs  especially  in  sheep 
and  cattle,  at  the  commencement  of  an  outbreak, 
and  which  is  characterized  by  the  suddenness  of  its 
onset  and  its  high  degree  of  fatality,  is  known  as 
the  apoplectic,  or  fulminant  form.  Without  show- 
ing any  previous  symptoms,  an  animal  will  sud- 
denly be  seized  with  loss  of  appetite,  trembling, 
uneasiness,    irregularity    of     movements,     difficult 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I09 

breathing,  blueness  of  the  nostrils,  bellowing,  con- 
vulsions and  hemorrhages  from  the  natural  open- 
ings. Death  may  occur  in  a  few  minutes  or  in  four 
or  five  hours. 

Another  type  is  known  as  anthrax  fever,  or  internal 
anthrax.  Here  we  have  distinct  symptoms,  the  most 
important  being  high  fever  of  from  three  to  four 
degrees,  excitability  and  restlessness.  Blood  may 
ooze  in  drops  from  the  nose,  eyes,  or  ears,  and  from 
inside  of  the  forearm  or  thigh,  in  sheep.  There 
will  be  trembling,  prostration,  numbness  of  the 
loins,  thirst,  grinding  of  the  teeth,  colicky  pains, 
bloating,  bloody  discharges,  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  difficult  breathing,  blueness  of  the  visible 
mucous  membranes,  jerking  of  the  muscles  of 
the  back  and  neck,  and  rolling  of  the  eyes.  The 
animal  will  die  in  comatose  state,  or  in  convulsions, 
and  death  will  occur  in  sheep  in  about  a  day. 
Cattle  will  live  from  two  to  five  days,  and  horses 
from  one  to  six  days. 

A  third  form  is  external  anthrax,  which  mani- 
fests itself  in  swelling  of  the  tongue,  throat,  rec- 
tum, and  skin  in  cattle;  and  of  the  tongue, 
throat,  neck,  shoulders,  withers,  flank,  or  thigh  in 
horses.  These  swellings  have  a  firm,  doughy  feel- 
ing, are  not  painful  generally,  and  show  a  marked 
tendency  to  gangrene.  They  never  suppurate.  If 
cut  (this  should  never  be  done),  they  discharge  a 
pale,  straw-colored  liquid.  In  this  may  be  found 
the  microbe. 

The  rapidity  with  which  putrefaction  occurs  in 
an  anthrax  carcass  is  very  marked.  Another  char- 
acteristic is,  the  blood  loses  its  property  of  clotting, 
is  dark  and  tarry,  and  does  not  become  light  in 
color  by  contact  with  air,  like  normal  blood.  In 
fulminant  cases,  however,  these  characters  are  not 


no  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN" 

SO  well  marked.  Other  signs  of  the  disease,  if  a 
farmer  should  be  so  unfortunate  as  to  open  an 
anthrax  carcass  and  thereby  spread  the  infection 
on  his  farm,  will  be  great  enlargement  of  the 
spleen,  or  milt,  and  also  of  the  liver.  Bloody 
patches  in  the  tongue,  throat,  lungs,  stomach,  and 
intestines,  caul,  skin,  and  muscles,  or  in  fact  in 
almost  any  part  of  the  body,  will  be  plainly  visible. 

The  Management  of  the  Sick  Animal  and  dis- 
posal of  the  carcass  are  the  most  important  pro- 
cedures in  an  outbreak  of  anthrax,  from  a  sanitary 
standpoint.  Medicinal  treatment  is  of  little  value. 
A  vaccine  has  been  discovered  that  is  very  effective 
in  preventing  the  disease.  This  has  been  used  very 
successfully  in  both  this  and  European  countries. 
If  a  case  of  anthrax  is  suspected,  call  your  veteri- 
narian at  once.  The  disease  will  not  pass  through 
the  air  from  a  sick  animal  to  a  healthy  one,  but  the 
discharges  which  invariably  occur  during  the 
progress  of  the  disease  all  contain  the  microbe,  and 
everything  soiled  by  them  is  infectious  material 
and  capable  of  spreading  the  disease. 

When  an  animal  is  infected,  remove  at  once  to 
the  burial  lot  and  tie  it  near  the  place  it  is  to  be 
buried,  to  save  handling  and  scattering  the  infec- 
tion. When  it  dies,  dig  the  grave.  Then  saturate 
the  animal  with  kerosene  or  coal  oil  and  set  it  afire. 
By  means  of  ropes  tied  around  the  fetlocks  turn 
the  animal,  saturate  the  other  side  and  fire  that, 
and  also  the  soles  of  the  feet.  When  every  hair 
has  been  burned  off,  dissolve  a  one-pound  carton 
of  chlorinated  lime  (freshly  opened)  in  sufficient 
water  to  make  a  fluid  that  will  just  pour  from  the 
cup.  Fill  the  nostrils  with  this,  also  the  mouth 
and  eyes,  which  should  be  pried  open  with  a  stick 
dipped  in  solution.     Saturate  some  cotton  or  rags 


DISEASES  OF   FARM   ANIMALS  III 

with  the  lime,  and  plug  up  the  nostrils  or  mouth. 
Treat  the  rectum  likewise.  Turn  the  animal  into 
its  grave,  sprinkle  the  ground  on  which  it  has  stood 
and  laid  with  a  strong  solution  of  chlorinated  lime, 
and  shovel  the  top  layers  of  this  soil  into  the  grave. 
Follow  this  with  the  grave  soil,  banking  it  up,  as  in 
human  graves.  In  cases  where  the  animal  is  found 
dead,  the  same  method  is  to  be  pursued,  except  that 
the  animal  is  hauled  to  the  grave  on  a  sled  (never 
dragged  over  the  ground).  In  these  cases,  also,  the 
place  where  it  died  must  be  disinfected  by  the  same 
means,  after  hauling  out  all  loose  material  and 
burning  the  same,  as  near  as  possible  to  the  place 
where  the  animal  died.  It  would  also  be  necessary 
to  disinfect  the  sled  and  all  tools  which  came  in 
contact  with  the  carcass. 

APOPLEXY.— A  ruptured  blood  vessel  in  the 
brain ;  usually  causes  unconsciousness,  at  least  for  a 
time.  The  control  of  certain  muscles  is  lost  and  a 
general  dullness  prevails  over  the  animal.  In  case  the 
apoplectic  attack  runs  a  favorable  course,  the  muscles 
come  more  or  less  under  control  again  and  the 
patient  in  time  may  recover.  It  is  in  rare  cases 
only,  however,  that  animals  recover  to  an  extent 
to  be  worth  much  after  being  affected  with 
apoplexy.  Fortunately  the  disease  in  animals  is 
rare 

AZOTURIA,  OR  MONDAY  MORNING 
DISEASE. — This  is  a  very  peculiar  affection 
of  the  horse,  in  which  the  animal  shows  a 
special  form  of  lameness  upon  exercise,  after 
having  remained  idle  for  a  day  or  two.  The 
cause  is  not  definitely  known,  and  yet  the 
circumstances  under  which  the  disease  develops 
are  rather  constant,  such,  for  instance,  as  an  animal 


112  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

in  vigorous  condition,  fed  liberally  upon  nitroge- 
nous feed,  remaining  idle  over  Sunday,  a  holiday  or 
at  other  times.  Upon  being  taken  out  the  follow- 
ing morning  the  animal  usually  shows  an  excess 
of  energy,  but  before  going  far  begins  to  go  lame 
in  one  or  both  hind  limbs  until,  if  urged  further, 
becomes  completely  paralyzed  behind,  going  down 
and  unable  to  rise.  He  also  shows  considerable 
pain,  as  though  he  might  be  suffering  from  some 
form  of  colic,  with  a  profuse  sweating.  On  reaching 
this  point  the  animal  usually  ceases  to  void  the 
urine,  which,  when  drawn,  appears  a  very  dark 
brown  or  coffee  color.  The  pulse  and  breathing  are 
somewhat  accelerated,  and  frequently  there  is  con- 
siderable nervous  excitement.  The  muscles  of  the 
loin  and  thigh  are  tense  and  rigid. 

The  treatment  should  begin  as  soon  as  the  lame- 
ness shows  itself.  After  a  few  hours  of  rest,  the 
distress  will  be  over.  The  more  exercise  given  the 
animal  after  the  lameness  begins,  the  more  severe 
the  trouble,  and  the  more  energetic  means  of  treat- 
ment required.  In  a  case  showing  signs  of  nervous 
excitement,  it  should  receive  2  tablespoonfuls  of 
bromide  of  potasium  every  three  or  four  hours  until 
becoming  quiet.  Sweating  should  be  induced  by 
blanketing  the  animal  well,  preferably  using 
blankets  wrung  out  of  hot  water  and  covered  with  a 
dry  one.  Allow  all  the  water  the  animal  will  drink 
and  give  it  4  tablespoonfuls  sweet  spirits  of  niter 
three  times  a  day  if  bladder  is  not  paralyzed.  If 
unable  to  void  the  urine,  the  bladder  must  be 
emptied  three  times  daily.  A  laxative  or  purgative 
should  be  given  early  in  the  disease.  If  the  animal 
remains  somewhat  stiff,  give  a  teaspoonful  in  the 
feed  twice  a  day  of  the  following:  Powdered  nux 
vomica,  4  teaspoonfuls ;  powdered  sulphate  of  iron, 


DISEASES  OF   FARM   ANIMALS  II J 

6  teaspoonfuls ;  powdered  gentian  root,  6  teaspoon- 
fuls. 

BARRENNESS.— Failure  to  breed  is  usually  due 
to  an  acid  secretion  of  the  genital  organs,  to  the 
germs  of  contagious  abortion,  retention  of  the  after- 
birth, or  to  an  abnormal  condition  of  the  sexual 
organs  of  either  the  male  or  female.  The  acid  secre- 
tion of  the  genital  organs  prevents  conception  by- 
destroying  the  semen  of  the  male ;  the  germs  of  con- 
tagious abortion  set  up  a  catarrhal  inflammation  and 
discharge,  which  also  prevents  conception ;  retention 
of  the  afterbirth,  whether  it  be  removed  by  force 
or  permitted  to  slough  away,  usually  leaves  the 
womb  in  a  diseased  and  catarrhal  condition,  effect- 
ing a  discharge ;  impotency  may  be  due  to  excess- 
ive use  of  the  male,  or  to  advancing  age  in  both 
male  and  female. 

Any  unnatural  discharge  irritates  and  scalds  the 
mouth  of  the  womb  so  that  when  the  discharge 
ceases  the  mouth  of  the  womb  heals,  and  it  is  im- 
possible to  make  a  cow  or  mare  breed  without 
mechanical  interference.  This  kind  of  treatment  is 
conducive  to  fertility  by  increasing  the  blood  sup- 
ply to  the  part.  Mechanical  contrivances  are  now 
on  the  market  for  the  purpose  of  dilating  the  mouth 
of  the  womb.  These  increase  the  probability  of 
pregnancy.  If  the  womb  be  opened  just  before 
service,  many  troublesome  cases  can  be  corrected. 
This  is  done  by  inserting  the  oiled  hand  and  arm 
into  the  vagina,  finding  the  opening  into  the  womb, 
and  gradually  dilating  it  by  inserting  one  or  more 
fingers  until  the  passage  is  open  and  free. 

BIG  HEAD. — ^Just  why  bones  become  soft  and 
frequently  are  absorbed  in  normal  animals  is  not 
known,  unless  it  is  due  to  an  absence  of  some 
essential   bone   constituent  in   the   food  or   water. 


114  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

The  disease  shows  that  the  bone  is  absorbed  and 
its  structure  softened.  As  a  consequence,  the  bone 
enlarges,  becomes  spongy  and  light. 

The  disease  usually  starts  as  a  swelling  in  the 
head,  hence  the  name.  Often  the  lower  jaws  are 
enlarged,  and,  as  the  disease  progresses,  the  legs 
become  affected.  At  the  same  time  the  animal 
loses  weight.  The  treatment  consists  of  nourishing 
foods,  rich  in  the  mineral  constituents.  Better  con- 
sult a  veterinarian  when  the  disease  is  first  noticed. 

BIG  JAW  OF  CATTLE.-— See  Actinomycosis. 

BIG  KNEE. — Often  cattle  show  large  bunches 
over  the  knees.  These  may  be  soft  or  hard.  In  cattle 
these  big  knees  are  caused  by  hard  floors,  in  lying 
down  and  getting  up.  Big  knee  in  horses  is  a  little 
different,  being  more  in  the  nature  of  spavin  or  ring- 
bone, and  in  this  case  occurring  at  the  knee  joints. 
In  cattle  the  bunch  may  be  localized  in  the  flesh 
and  skin.  With  horses,  it  is  an  attack  on  the  bony 
structure.  When  first  noticed  a  blister  may  be 
used. 

BIG  LEG. — See  Lymphangitis. 

BITTER  MILK.— Frequently  germs  get  into  the 
udder,  and,  as  a  result,  bitter  milk  or  blue  milk  or 
bad  milk  results.  Sometimes  the  bad  taste  of  milk 
is  due  to  the  odor  in  the  stable  or  to  the  food  that 
the  cows  get  while  pasturing.  Turnips  give  a  bad 
taste  to  the  milk,  as  does  garlic  or  wild  onions. 
If  the  bitter  taste  or  the  blue  milk  is  due  to  disease 
germs,  then  the  remedy  lies  in  the  destruction  of 
these  germs.  Just  after  milking,  and  each  quarter 
thoroughly  emptied,  inject  a  warm  solution  of  boric 
acid. 

BLACKHEAD. — A  germ  disease  affecting  turkeys 
and  chickens.  It  is  characterized  by  a  dark  purple 
appearance  in  the  comb  and  wattles.    Fowls  attacked 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  II5 

by  the  disease  show  dullness  and  laziness;  at  the 
same  time  indigestion  disturbances  and  diarrhoea  is 
observed.  The  best  treatment  is  to  kill  the  fowls 
affected  just  as  soon  as  they  become  affected.  This 
will  prevent  the  disease  from  spreading.  It  is  ad- 
visable to  burn  the  bodies  of  the  dead  so  as  to  pre- 
vent the  spreading  of  the  germs.  Thorough 
disinfection  is  necessary. 

BLACKLEG. — An  infectious  disease  produced  by 
the  blackleg  bacillus,  a  parasite  which  lives  and 
propagates  in  the  soil  of  infected  districts  and  in  the 
bodies  of  diseased  animals.  Certain  kinds  of  soil 
are  very  favorable  to  the  existence  of  the  parasite, 
and  such,  when  once  infected,  easily  remain  so 
permanently  and  thus  constitute  the  source  of  the 
disease.  Years  ago  blackleg  was  regarded  as  a  form 
of  anthrax.  This  has  been  proved  erroneous,  how- 
ever, for  blackleg  and  anthrax  are  two  distinct  and 
independent  diseases,  each  being  caused  by  a 
specific  germ.  One  diseased  animal  does  not  trans- 
mit the  disease  directly  to  a  healthy  one.  When 
caused,  it  is  the  result  of  self-inoculation,  that  is,  by 
the  germ  entering  a  wound  in  the  skin  or  mucous 
membrane  of  the  body,  produced  on  the  legs  while 
the  animals  are  roaming  over  the  fields,  or  at  the 
mouth  while  grazing;  these  are  the  places  by  which 
the  blackleg  germs  get  into  the  system. 

An  animal  dying  of  blackleg  is  fairly  alive  with 
germs,  which  remain  in  virulent  condition  for  a  long 
time.  It  behooves  the  farmer,  therefore,  to  com- 
pletely destroy  this  kind  of  dead;  not  by  burying, 
for  then  the  germs  remain  in  the  soil.  The  best 
way  is  to  burn  the  animal  right  on  the  spot  where 
it  died.  If  the  animal  is  moved  to  another  place, 
the  infection  is  spread,  thereby,  and  not  only  the 
death  place,  but  the  grass  over  which  the  animal 


Il6  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

has  been  moved,  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected 
that  no  germs  may  survive.  The  disease  is  char- 
acterized in  the  appearance  of  large  swellings  on 
various  parts  of  the  body,  usually  on  one  of  the 
upper  portions  of  the  legs,  and  never  below  the 
hock  or  knee  joints.  Swellings  vary  in  size,  and 
are  always  formed  by  the  presence  of  gas  that  has 
collected  in  the  tissue  just  beneath  the  skin.  This 
gas  is  a  product  of  the  germ.  You  will  notice  a 
peculiar  crackling  sound  when  you  pass  your  hand 
over  these  swellings.  When  punctured  with  a  knife 
these  swellings  emit  a  bloody  fluid  possessing  a  dis- 
agreeable and  sickening  odor. 

Associated  with  the  disease  are  loss  of  appetite, 
high  fever  and  lameness.  Death  follows  just  a 
few  days  from  the  time  of  attack.  So  far  no  medic- 
inal treatment  for  cure  has  been  discovered.  Stock 
should  not  be  admitted  to  infected  regions.  The 
only  safe  practice  in  regions  where  blackleg  is 
prevalent  is  in  the  use  of  protective  inoculation 
or  vaccination.  Such  vaccination  renders  the 
animals  immune,  and  even  if  attacked,  there  is 
almost  no  appearance  of  the  disease  at  all. 

Using  Blackleg  Vaccine. — The  blackleg  vaccine 
now  so  well  known  is  made  from  diseased  flesh 
taken  from  a  calf  that  has  died  from  blackleg.  This 
flesh,  after  being  dried  and  powdered,  is  then  prop- 
erly prepared  and  injected  into  the  animal.  There 
are  two  kinds — a  weak  and  a  strong  vaccine  and 
single  and  double  vaccine.  The  single  vaccine  re- 
quires but  one  inoculation.  The  latter  is  believed 
to  be  superior  and  gives  better  protection.  The 
vaccine  is  usually  available  from  the  state  G«:pcri- 
ment  stations,  or  can  be  obtained  through  your 
veterinarian.      About    the    only    skill    required    in 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  11/ 

doing  the  work  is  in  having  the  instruments  thor- 
oughly cleaned  and  disinfected.  A  hypodermic 
syringe  is  used  and  the  injection  made  on  the  under- 
side of  the  tail,  a  few  inches  from  the  tip,  or  just 
beneath  the  skin  of  the  neck  or  shoulder.  The 
point  of  the  syringe  should  not  puncture  the  muscle 
at  all;  simply  pick  up  the  skin  and  draw  it  away 
from  the  muscle  and  admit  the  fluid  in  the  loose 
space  between  the  two. 

When  vaccinated,  the  treatment  is  supposed  to 
last  about  a  year.  If  calves  are  vaccinated  the 
operation  should  be  repeated  at  about  the  age  of 
yearling.  Two  periods  of  vaccination  are  sug- 
gested :  when  turned  to  pasture  in  the  spring  or 
when  turned  to  dry  food  in  the  fall.  Full  direc- 
tions as  to  the  use  of  vaccines  always  accompany 
the  preparations  and  further  detail  is  unnecessary 
here. 

Preventive  medicines  cannot  be  relied  upon, 
although  a  common  one  is  used  throughout  the 
West,  made  as  follows:  4  ounces  of  sulphur,  i 
ounce  of  saltpeter,  2  pounds  of  sulphate  of  iron, 
and  I  pound  of  air-slaked  lime.  After  being  thor- 
oughly pulverized  and  mixed,  this  is  added  to  one- 
third  of  a  gallon  of  common  salt  and  used  in  the 
place  of  salt. 

BLADDER,  STONE  IN.— See  Concretions  or 
Calculi  in  Urinary  Organs. 

BLIND  STAGGERS.— See  Staggers. 

BLOATING  IN  CATTLE.— This  disease,  some- 
times called  hoven,  is  characterized  by  the  disten- 
tion of  the  paunch  or  rumen,  and  is  due  to  the  ac- 
cumulation of  gas.  It  most  frequently  occurs  when 
cattle  or  sheep  are  pastured  on  clover  or  alfalfa, 
especially  if  it  is  moist  just  after  a  rain,  or  when 
dew  is  on  the  ground,  and  when  not  accustomed  to 


H8  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

fresh  green  food.  I  have  known  of  many  cases 
where  cattle  have  bloated  from  eating  alfalfa  hay 
during  the  winter  season. 

There  is  no  mistaking  the  disease.  The  animal 
shows  pain,  goes  off  to  itself,  and  breathes  with 
difficulty.  Colic  is  often  associated  with  bloating. 
The  most  characteristic  symptom,  however,  is  the 
excessive  swelling  due  to  the  gas.     The  bloating 


WHERE  TO  TAP  IN   BLOATING 

Insert  the  trocar  and  canula,  or  if  these  are  not  avail- 
able a  knife  may  be  used.  Make  the  puncture  downward  and 
forward  and  plunge  the  instrument  into  the  rumen. 

is  noticed  even  over  the  back  of  the  animal,  the  gas 
continues  to  form,  and,  unless  relief  is  secured,  the 
animal  will  choke  and  die  as  the  result.  Or  some 
suppression  of  the  vital  processes  will  occur,  even 
rupturing,  with  the  same  fatal  ending. 

Bloating  may  take  one  or  two  forms ;  a  mild  case 
in  which  recovery  gradually  follows,  and  a  very 
severe  form,  where  the  only  salvation  is  in  tapping 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  IIQ 

to  release  the  gas.  If  it  is  an  ordinary  case  of 
bloating,  not  very  severe,  ordinary  remedies  will 
give  relief.  Turpentine  in  doses  of  8  or  lo  table- 
spoonfuls  is  good.  Some  use  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
hyposulphide  of  soda  dissolved  in  water,  with  ex- 
cellent results.  Some  veterinarians  give  doses  con- 
sisting of  4  tablespoonfuls  of  aromatic  spirits  of 
ammonia  in  water  as  a  drench.  Ginger  is  fre- 
quently given,  as  much  as  4  tablespoonfuls  diluted 
in  warm  water  as  a  drench.  To  keep  the  animal 
moving  about  is  excellent. 

In  severe  cases  it  is  advisable  to  tap  with  the 
trocar  and  canula.  Indeed,  tapping  is  the  last  resort 
if  you  would  save  the  animal.  These  are  inserted 
on  the  left  side  of  the  skin  and  pushed  into  the 
rumen  or  paunch,  the  incision  being  made  about 
half  way  between  the  point  of  the  hip  and  the  last 
rib.     In  introducing  the  trocar  push  in  and  down. 

After  the  insertion  is  made,  the  trocar  is  with- 
drawn and  the  canula  is  left  in  to  furnish  an  open- 
ing through  which  the  gas  can  escape.  In  case  the 
canula  gets  clogged  with  partially  digested  feed, 
insert  the  trocar  so  as  to  push  away  the  material 
and  withdraw  it  again.  If  the  trocar  and  canula 
are  not  available,  then  use  a  pocket  knife.  Of 
course,  be  careful  that  the  incision  is  not  made  too 
large. 

Just  a  few  simple  precautions  are  suggested  here 
as  a  prevention  of  this  trouble.  There  is  always 
danger  from  bloating  when  cattle  or  sheep  are 
turned  into  green  pastures,  especially  when  not 
accustomed  to  such  feed  and  especially  when  wet. 
It  is  advisable,  therefore,  to  keep  stock  from  the 
pasture  until  later  in  the  day  when  the  dew  has 
disappeared.  Stock  should  have  their  regular 
morning  feed  just  as  usual  before  being  turned  on 


120  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

the  pasture.  They  will  have  less  greedy  appetites, 
will  not  like  to  gorge  themselves,  and  hence  the 
trouble  will  not  be  brought  on. 

BLOOD  POISONING.— When  blood  poisoning 
results  from  the  entrance  of  bacteria  into  the  cir- 
culation, it  is  termed  septic  infection.  This  means 
that  the  disease  may  be  communicated  to  a  healthy 
animal  by  inoculation.  Thus,  an  operator  in  making 
a  post  portem  examination  may  bring  on  blood 
poisoning  because  of  an  accidental  prick  of  the  skin. 
An  animal  may  step  on  a  nail  or  get  a  splinter  in  a 
muscle  or  under  the  skin,  and  be'come  self-in- 
oculated, in  time  becoming  aflfected  with  septic 
infection.  Consequently  bacteria  are  the  direct 
inducing  factors.  The  chemical  poisons  produced 
as  a  result  of  the  work  of  these  bacteria,  as  those  of 
putrefaction,  may  induce  what  is  known  as  septi- 
caemia. On  the  other  hand  where  pus  is  produced, 
as  in  the  abscesses  which  follow  upon  neglected 
wounds  in  joints,  a  form  of  blood  poisoning  is  pro- 
duced known  as  pyaemia.  In  either  case  blood 
poisoning  may  result,  become  very  serious  and 
may  cause  the  death  of  the  victim. 

At  first  chills  may  be  noticed,  then  a  rise  of  tem- 
perature, quick  respiration,  rapid  but  weak  pulse, 
and  much  prostration.  All  the  time  the  appetite 
is  disappearing,  until  it  becomes  lost.  The  mucous 
membranes  of  the  eyes  and  nose  take  on  a  yellow- 
ish, red  tint  often  showing  spots  or  blotches  of 
blood  and  the  tongue  becomes  coated  and  clammy. 

Quick  treatment  is  necessary  in  every  case  of 
blood  poisoning.  As  soon  as  noticed,  the  s:>urce 
should  be  treated  with  disinfectants,  thereby  ar- 
resting the  supply  of  morbid  matter.  A  strict  em- 
ployment of  antiseptics,  so  as  to  destroy  the  bac- 
teria,   is    the   first   essential.     We    look    upon    the 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  121' 

prick  from  a  rusty  nail,  or  wound  from  a  wire  fence, 
or  a  dirty  stable  splinter,  as  matters  of  frequent 
occurrence,  yet  a  great  deal  of  danger  lurks  among 
these.  They  should  be  avoided  as  much  as  pos- 
sible and  in  all  cases  immediately  treated.  As  soon 
as  the  poison  is  admitted  to  the  blood  or  tissue,  the 
disease  germs  multiply  and  soon  are  present  in 
great  numbers.  Had  the  wound  been  cleansed  with 
an  antiseptic  like  carbolic  acid  in  the  beginning,  it 
would  have  been  a  simple  matter  and  the  poison 
would  have  been  neutralized,  and  the  ingress  of 
the  invaders  made  unattractive,  if  not  altogether 
impossible. 

In  all  cases  of  blood  poisoning,  look  to  a  syste- 
matic and  constant  application  of  suitable  lotions  to 
the  injured  parts,  to  careful  nursing,  and  to  nour- 
ishing food.  If  the  appetite  has  completely  de- 
parted, it  is  often  advisable  to  force  food  like  eggs 
and  milk  into  the  stomach,  so  that  the  strength  of 
the  patient  may  never  be  dissipated  or  weakened. 
With  this  treatment  should  go  pure  fresh  air,  clean- 
liness and  much  sunshine.  It  usually  is  advisable 
to  call  a  veterinarian  as  early  as  possible. 

BLOODY  MILK. — Sometimes,  just  after  calv- 
ing, bloody  milk  is  observed.  The  cause  is  generally 
due  to  a  rupture  of  the  small  blood  vessels  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  cells  that  secrete  the  milk.  It  may 
be  due  to  a  tiny  accident  of  some  kind  or  it  may 
be  the  result  of  disease,  localized  in  the  udder. 
Bathing  the  udder  with  hot  water  will  prove  help- 
ful and,  until  the  milk  is  normal,  frequent  milkings 
are  desirable.  If  the  condition  prevails  for  any 
length  of  time  and  the  cow  is  not  a  very  good  one, 
it  is  just  as  well  to  fatten  her  and  send  her  to  the 
butcher. 

BLOODY   URINE.— A   condition   of   the   urine 


1^2 


THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


peculiar  to  certain  diseases  like  Texas  fever  in  cat- 
tle and  azottiria  in  horses.  In  the  latter  disease  the 
urine  is  quite  turbid  and  dark  in  color,  sometimes 
almost  black. 

BOG  SPAVIN.— A  round,  smooth  tumor  at  the 
front  and  on  the  inside  of  the  hock.     It  is  the  result 

of  sprains,  bruises,  or 
other  injuries.  When 
these  injuries  occur,  too 
much  joint  oil  is 
secreted,  causing  a  bulg- 
ing- of  the  ligament. 
Lameness  seldom  ac- 
companies a  bog  spavin. 
If  lameness  be  present 
other  structures  are  cer- 
tain to  be  affected,  and 
some  pain  and  heat  will 
be  noticed,  together 
with  a  stiffness  of  the 
joint. 

Treatment  consists  of 
applications  of  cold 
water  to  the  affected 
parts  and  a  lotion  made 
of  2  tablespoonfuls  of 
acetate  of  lead  in  a 
quart  of  water.  A  blister 
made  of  i  teaspoonful  biniodide  of  mercury 
and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard  rubbed  in  a  little  with 
the  fingers  and  repeated  in  ten  days  or  two  weeks 
and  continued  for  some  months  will  correct  the 
trouble.  Wash  the  part  having  received  the  blister 
twenty-four  hours  after  application.  It  is  also  ad- 
visable to  tie  the  horse's  head  while  the  blister  is 
on,  so  that  he  cannot  bite  the  part. 


BOG  SPAVIN 

The  bulging  outward  of  the 
soft  tissues  of  the  hock  joint 
Is  due  to  the  secretion  of  joint 
oil  or  lubricating  liquid  In  ab- 
normal amounts. 


DISEASES   Of    FARM   ANIMALS  I23 

BONE  SPAVIN.— See  Spavin. 

BOX  FLIES  OR  BREEZE  FLIES.— The  larvae 
or  grub  of  all  common  bot  flies  are  thick,  fleshy 
grubs  and  pass  their  life  in  some  portion  of  the 
body.  When  they  are  fully  developed  they  leave 
the  body  by  some  route  and  bore  into  the  g-round, 
where  they  go  through  another  stage  of  their  de- 
velopment known  as  the  pupa  stage.  When  this 
stage  is  completed  they  crawl  out  of  the  ground  as 
a  fly  ready  to  deposit  eggs. 

Horse  Bot  Fly. — Everyone  is  familiar  with  the 
common  nit  fly  and  the  yellow  nit  that  is  attached 
to  the  hair  on  almost  all  parts  of  the  horse,  but 
especially  on  the  chest  and  legs.  The  young  larvas 
or  even  the  egg  may  be  transferred  from  these 
regions  of  the  body  into  the  mouth  by  the  horse 
biting  these  parts.  The  grub  passes  into  the 
stomach  where  it  attaches  itself  to  the  mucous  lin- 
ing and  continues  its  development.  The  bot  is  not 
so  dangerous  as  it  is  popularly  supposed  to  be. 
They  may,  when  attached  in  large  numbers  to  the 
right  side  of  the  stomach,  interfere  with  digestion 
and  be  responsible  for  some  of  the  digestive  dis- 
orders and  colics.  They  are  uniformly  present  in 
the  stomach  of  all  horses  that  are  kept  in  the  open 
where  flies  can  get  at  them.  A  carefully  groomed 
animal  may  be  free  from  them.  The  eggs  may 
be  destroyed  by  rubbing  the  body  with  a  rag  wet 
with  kerosene.  One  of  the  most  common  remedies 
for  bots,  and  at  the  same  time  the  most  useless,  is 
a  mixture  of  molasses  and  milk.  Bots  are  hard  to 
dislodge  from  the  stomach  until  they  have  com- 
pleted their  development  there  and  pass  out  of  their 
own  accord.  Half-ounce  doses  of  turpentine  three 
hours  apart  until  three  doses  are  given,  followed  by 


124 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


an  ounce  of  powdered  aloes  as  a  physic,  is  a  good 
remedy  and  easily  administered.  Mix  the  turpen- 
tine with  half  a  pint  of  milk  or  gruel  and  give  on 
an  empty  stomach.  Carbon  bisulphide  is  a  good 
remedy.  Take  two  drachms  or  one-fourth  of  an 
ounce  of  this  and  shake  with  a  pint  of  cold  water 


HORSE    BOTS    IN    STOMACH 

The  bot  fly  lays  its  eggs  on  the  hair  of  the  horse.  These, 
taken  Into  the  stomach,  hatch  out  and  give  rise  to  horse  bots 
or  young  maggots  that  attach  themselves  to  the  walls  of  the 
stomach.  After  becoming  grown  they  loosen  themselves  and 
pass  out  with  the  feces. 

and  drench.  Repeat  this  every  two  hours  until  an 
ounce  of  bisulphide  is  given,  then  give  a  physic  of 
aloes.  These  remedies  should  be  given  on  an 
empty  stomach. 

Bot-Fly  of  Cattle  or  Warbles. — It  is  now  be- 
lieved that  eggs  are  deposited  near  the  feet  and 
that  the  grub  is  taken  into  the  mouth  and  becomes 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  1 25 

partially  developed  in  the  digestive  tract.  It  then 
burrows  through  the  tissue  until  it  reaches  the 
region  of  the  back.  The  only  treatment  that  will 
amount  to  much  is  to  destroy  the  grub  as  it  is 
developing  under  the  skin.  If  farmers  and  stock- 
men will  systematically  do  this  they  can  soon  les- 
sen the  damage  done.  The  heel  fly  annoys  cattle, 
and  the  grub,  when  it  escapes  from  the  back, 
leaves  a  hole  in  the  best  part  of  the  hide,  causing 
loss  in  this  way.  After  the  grubs  are  in  the  back 
no  treatment  helps  the  animal  very  much ;  but  the 
grub  can  be  killed,  thus  preventing  their  develop- 
ing into  flies  that  would  annoy  other  cattle.  The 
grubs  may  be  squeezed  out  and  destroyed.  Mer- 
curial ointment  may  be  rubbed  through  the  hole 
and  kill  the  grub,  or  chloroform,  or  creoline,  may 
be  injected  into  the  grub  with  a  hypodermic 
syringe.  It  does  not  require  very  much  time  to 
look  after  the  number  of  cattle  usually  found  on 
a  farm. 

The  Bot-Fly  of  Sheep  is  a  very  troublesome  pest 
at  times,  and  always  causes  trouble  and  annoyance 
to  the  flock  when  present,  and  occasionally  causes 
considerable  financial  loss.  The  fly  attacks  sheep 
during  the  warm  months,  July  and  August  gen- 
erally being  the  worst.  The  presence  of  fly  in  the 
flock  is  easily  told  by  the  behavior  of  the  sheep. 
The  fly  looks  much  like  a  house  fly,  only  it  is  longer 
and  it  always  attempts  to  lay  its  eggs  just  inside  of 
the  opening  of  the  nose.  As  soon  as  the  fly  begins 
to  get  near  the  nostril  the  sheep  will  begin  to  run, 
will  hold  their  noses  close  to  the  ground,  and  fre- 
quently huddle  together  as  closely  as  possible  for 
protection.  When  the  fly  does  succeed  in  deposit- 
ing the  larvae  it  begins  immediately  to  work  its 
way  up  the   cavity  of  the  nose  and   finally   gets 


126  THE   farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

into  the  small  cavities  in  the  head,  where  develop- 
ment goes  on.  It  is  during  this  period  of  develop- 
ment in  the  head  that  most  of  the  damage  is  done. 
As  the  grubs  grow  larger  a  discharge  from  the 
nostril  is  noticed,  which  may  soon  become  very- 
thick  and  sticky,  gumming  up  the  nostrils  and 
making  breathing  difficult.  The  sheep  will  often 
carry  their  heads  low,  but  will  frequently  raise 
their  heads  and  point  their  noses  straight  up. 

The  treatment  may  be  either  preventive  or  sur- 
gical. The  first  is  within  the  reach  of  everyone 
owning  sheep.  Where  only  a  few  sheep  are  owned 
each  individual  should  be  caught  and  a  mixture  of 
tar  and  lard,  or  oil  of  tar  and  lard,  applied  to  the 
nostril  with  a  brush.  This  can  be  done  in  a  short 
time  and  should  be  repeated  every  ten  days  or  two 
weeks  during  the  warm  months.  Narrow  salt 
troughs  may  be  made  and  the  edges  smeared  with 
tar  so  that  the  sheep  will  get  tar  on  their  noses 
when  they  take  salt.  Turpentine  may  be  applied 
high  up  in  the  nostril  by  means  of  a  feather.  Begin 
the  preventive  treatment  early  in  the  spring  or 
whenever  you  know  by  the  action  of  the  sheep  that 
the  fly  is  bothering  them,  and  you  will  have  better 
success  than  to  wait  until  the  sheep  are  affected 
and  undertake  to  cure  them. 

BOTS.— See  Bot  Flies. 

BROKEN  WIND.— See  Heaves. 

BRONCHITIS.— A  common  disease  of  domestic 
animals  attacking  the  bronchial  tubes.  It  may  be 
chronic,  but  is  usually  acute,  and  may  affect  one 
side  or  both.  The  most  frequent  causes  of  bron- 
chial catarrh  are  colds.  A  sudden  cooling  of  a 
heated  body  by  drenching,  by  the  breathing  of  cold 
damp  air,  may  all  bring  on  the  disorder.  Dust, 
smoke  or  gas,   when  inhaled,  often   produces  the 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I27 

same  trouble.  Acute  bronchitis  usually  sets  in 
with  a  sudden  rise  of  the  temperature  of  the  body, 
and  the  animal  seems  to  have  a  chill.  This  may  be 
quite  violent  at  times.  The  cough  is  noticed  very 
much  as  with  people,  being  short,  dry,  and  husky. 
Later  on,  as  the  disease  progresses,  a  frothy  mucus 
follows  the  cough.  Associated  with  the  disease  is 
a  loss  of  appetite,  constipation,  and  pains  in  the 
chest  and  rattling  in  the  chest  and  throat.  A 
favorite  position  of  the  horse  is  standing  and  of 
other  stock  that  of  lying  down.  Good  care  is  es- 
sential in  the  treatment.  That  means,  with  good 
treatment,  dust,  smoke,  and  bad  air  are  to  be 
severely  avoided.  Plenty  of  good  ventilation,  but 
no  draft;  and  warm,  well-lighted  quarters  are  very 
desirable.  The  animal  should  be  blanketed  to  be 
kept  warm  in  the  early  stages  and  a  compress  placed 
over  the  chest,  with  blankets  over  the  compress. 
Frequent  changing  of  this  compress  is  desirable, 
say  a  change  every  hour  or  two.  When  the  animal 
is  suffering  from  a  chill,  stimulants  are  excellent. 
A  tablespoonful  of  whiskey  in  a  pint  of  water  and 
given  as  a  drench  every  half  hour  or  hour  will  be 
helpful. 

After  the  chill  period  is  passed,  small  doses  of 
tincture  of  aconite,  say  lo  to  15  drops,  in  a  little 
water  as  a  drench  will  assist  in  discharging  the 
mucus.  When  the  animal  has  become  at  ease,  a 
mustard  plaster  applied  to  the  lungs  will  help  you 
somewhat.  From  now  on  the  treatment  should 
be  good  nursing  and  good  food.  Boiled  flaxseed 
and  gruel  will  be  very  helpful.  A  very  helpful 
preparation  may  be  made  of  the  following:  Nitrate 
of  potash  or  saltpeter,  tartar  emetic,  ground  gen-^ 
tian  root,  equal  parts.     A  half  pound  or  pound  itt 


128  THE   farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

all  should  be  mixed  thoroughly,  and  then  a  tea- 
spoonful  given  three  times  each  day.  When  all  dan- 
ger is  passed,  continue  the  careful  handling  and 
allow  two  or  three  weeks'  complete  rest. 

BUNCHES. — Bunches  are  most  generally  en- 
largements of  the  bone.  They  are  most  serious  in 
the  region  of  a  joint.  They  are  caused,  as  a  rule, 
by  some  injury,  bruise,  or  wound.  When  first 
noticed  they  should  be  treated  with  a  blister  to 
insure  a  hasty  absorption  of  the  enlarged  parts. 

BURNS. — Occasionally  animals  are  burned  or 
scalded  so  badly  as  to  subject  them  to  considerable 
pain.  This  may  be  relieved  by  the  use  of  a  strong 
solution  of  common  baking  soda.  Following  the 
use  of  this,  apply  an  ointment  made  of  one  part  of 
carbolic  acid  to  50  parts  of  vaseline.  If  vaseline 
is  not  available,  then  use  in  its  place  linseed  oil. 

CAKED  BAG.— See  Mammitis. 

CAKED  UDDER.— A  diseased  condition  of  the 
udder,  with  the  secretion  of  milk  altered,  the  udder 
hot,  dry,  and  caked,  and  the  glands  inflamed.  The 
trouble  may  be  due  to  external  injury,  to  germs 
entering  the  teats  or  to  the  milk  being  kept  for  too 
long  a  time  in  the  udder.  As  soon  as  noticed  the 
udder  should  be  bathed  in  hot  water  and  massaged 
for  several  minutes.  After  being  dried  with  a  cloth 
rub  on  a  salve  made  of  2  tablespoonfuls  of  gum 
camphor  dissolved  in  12  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  At 
the  same  time  give  4  tablespoonfuls  of  saltpeter 
morning  and  night  for  two  or  three  days.  See 
also  Mammitis. 

CALF  CHOLERA.— When  a  new-born  calf  comes 
into  the  world  weak,  puny,  and  listless,  and  dies  in 
a  few  hours  after  scouring,  bawling,  and  blatting 
and  has  sunken  eyes  and  bloated  belly  soon  after 
death,    the    disease    by    stockmen    is    called    "  calf 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  12^ 

cholera."  Many  calves  so  affected  are  really  "  liv- 
ing abortions."  They  have  just  enough  life  at  birth  to 
exist  a  few  hours  and  show  the  symptoms  de- 
scribed, and  such  calves  are  usually  the  offspring 
of  cows  that,  during  pregnancy,  have  been  incom- 
pletely nourished  upon  timothy  or  swale  hay,  or 
coarse  fodder,  without  an  adequate  supply  of  other 
foods  to  balance  the  ration ;  or  similar  calves  may 
come  from  fat,  flabby,  corn-stuffed,  beef-bred  cows. 

The  trouble  may  be  prevented  by  proper  feeding 
of  the  pregnant  cow,  but  there  is  no  cure.  A  ma- 
jority of  such  cases,  however,  are  due  to  germ 
infection.  Cows  affected  with  contagious  abortion 
may  produce  affected  calves;  the  afterbirth  and 
navel  cord  are  invaded  by  the  germs  in  such  cases 
and  the  calf  is  improperly  nourished  in  the  womb. 
In  other  instances,  calf  cholera  is  due  to  filth  germs 
entering  the  calf's  system  by  way  of  the  raw  navel 
cord  stump  at  birth,  or  the  mouth  when  the  calf 
nurses  from  a  manure-contaminated  udder. 

Prevent  infective  cases  by  providing  a  clean, 
fresh-bedded,  disinfected,  whitewashed,  sunlighted, 
ventilated  pen  for  the  new-born  calf,  and  immedi- 
ately wet  its  navel  with  a  1-500  solution  of  cor- 
rosive sublimate  and  repeat  the  application  twice 
daily  until  the  cord  dries  up,  drops  off  and  no  raw 
spot  remains.  Also  wash  the  hind  parts  of  the  cow 
and  her  udder  with  a  two  per  cent  solution  of  coal 
tar  disinfectant  before  the  calf  is  allowed  to  suck 
for  the  first  time  and  repeat  the  washing  twice 
daily  for  at  least  a  week.  Isolate  affected  calves. 
Bury  or  burn  the  dead. 

CALF  SCOURS.— See  White  Scours. 

CANCER. — Malignant  growths,  the  cause  or 
causes  of  which  are  not  known ;  nor  can  it  be  said 
the    disease   is    infectious.     While   a   very   serious 


130  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

disease  among  human  beings,  it  is,  fortunately,  how- 
ever, more  rare  among  farm  animals.  The  only 
treatment  worth  while  is  in  surgical  removal  of 
the  growths.  If  this  be  done  when  the  tumors  are 
first  noticed  and  when  they  are  small,  their  fur- 
ther appearance  may  not  result.  It  is  a  good  plan, 
if  the  growths  persist  in  presenting  themselves^  to 
eliminate  the  affected  animal  from  the  herd.  With 
cattle,  it  is  possible  to  prepare  them  for  market 
long  before  any  cancer  growths  may  reappear,  and 
in  this  way  the  full  market  value  may  be  secured 
with  no  danger  when  consumed. 

CAPPED  ELBOW.—Frequently  horses,  in  lying 
down,  press  the  foot  or  the  shoe  against  the  elbow. 
This,  in  time,  causes  inflammation  and  ends  in  a 
tumor  or  shoe  boil.  The  diseased  condition  is  dif- 
ficult to  repair,  as  there  is  little  flesh  or  muscle  at 
the  joint  of  the  elbow  where  the  trouble  starts. 
Treatment  consists  of  opening  the  boil  and  allow- 
ing the  fluid  to  escape.  In  case  the  swelling  is 
hot  and  painful,  an  application  of  lead  acetate  will 
prove  comforting  and  helpful.  In  preparing  the 
lotion,  use  2  tablespoonfuls  of  acetate  of  lead  to  a 
quart  of  water.  There  is  no  objection  to  injecting 
a  little  of  this  into  the  opening.  An  injection  of  a 
little  tincture  of  iodine  once  a  day  into  the  opening 
is  desirable  also.  In  treating  cases  of  this  kind, 
it  is  a  good  practice  to  wrap  about  the  horse's  foot 
a  pad  of  straw  or  hay  for  cushioning  the  foot.  This 
prevents  the  wound  from  being  further  bruised, 
otherwise  the  cure  may  be  greatly  delaved,  if  not 
indefinitely  postponed. 

CAPPED  HOCK.— An  inflammation  resulting  in 
a  separation  of  the  cap  from  the  point  of  the  bone 
of  the  hock.     Cases  of  this  kind  are  the  results  of 


DISEASES   OF  FARM  ANIMALS  I3I 

kicks  or  bruises.  In  the  early  stage,  use  2  table- 
spoonfuls  of  lead  acetate  in  a  quart  of  water  and 
bathe  the  injured  part.  When  there  is  no  longer 
any  temperature,  apply  a  blister  composed  of  i 
teaspoonful  of  biniodide  of  mercury  and  6  table- 
spoonfuls  of  lard.  Apply  this  every  week  or  ten 
days  for  several  months. 

CAPPED  KNEE.— An  enlarged  condition  of  the 
knee  most  commonly  found  in  cattle.  It  is  caused 
by  cattle  getting  up  and  down  on  hard  floors.  It 
is  usually  seen  in  stables  where  stanchions  are 
used.  A  baggy  tumor  forms  at  the  front  and  just 
below  the  knee.  In  some  instances  this  tumor  be- 
comes very  large  and  the  cow  walks  about  or 
moves  with  great  difficulty.  Where  hard  floors  are 
covered  with  bedding,  no  trouble  of  this  kind  re- 
sults. Applications  of  hot  water  are  excellent. 
Liniment  is  also  very  good.  Where  the  tumor  has 
long  existed  and  is  stubborn  an  opening  should  be 
made  at  the  bottom  so  that  the  fluid  may  be  dis- 
charged. A  little  tincture  of  iodine  injected  into 
the  opening  once  a  day  is  good  and  at  the  same 
time  an  application  of  iodine  rubbed  over  the  out- 
side will  assist  in  reducing  the  trouble.  Use  one 
part  of  iodine  to  eight  parts  of  lard  and  continue  this 
treatment  for  a  month  or  two. 

CASTRATION.— The  removal  of  the  testicles 
from  male  animals.  Castration  is  practiced  upon 
all  the  domestic  animals.  Only  those  male  animals 
possessing  desirable  characteristics  are  retained  en- 
tire. The  operations  are  generally  performed  when 
the  male  animals  become  troublesome.  In  horses 
the  time  is  usually  at  one  to  three  years  old ;  in  cattle 
one  to  three  months  old ;  sheep  at  one  to  four 
months   and   pigs  two   to    four   months    old.      Dogs, 


132  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

as  a  rule,  become  worthless  if  castrated.  Cats  grow 
to  an  enormous  size  when  castrated. 

Suggestions  About  the  Operation. — In  the  castra- 
tion of  all  the  domestic  animals  some  general  sug- 
gestions will  be  beneficial,  (i)  Secure  the  animal 
so  he  cannot  injure  himself  or  the  attendants.  (2) 
Do  the  castration  during  the  early  spring.  (3) 
Give  the  animal  exercise  after  castration.  (4)  Boil 
the  instruments  before  operating,  using  warm 
water  and  any  good  hand  soap.  (5)  Disinfect  the 
skin  over  the  scrotum  before  operating  with  cor- 
rosive sublimate  i-iooo.  (6)  Wash  the  hands  of 
the  operator  with  soap  and  water,  then  disinfect 
with  corrosive  sublimate.  (7)  Great  care  should 
be  exercised  that  no  corrosive  sublimate  be  left 
that  stock  may  drink,  as  it  is  a  deadly  poison. 

When  the  instruments  have  been  boiled  (sharp 
castrating  knife  and  emasculator),  cast  (throw) 
the  animal  as  carefully  as  possible.  Secure  the 
hind  legs  so  they  will  not  hinder  the  operator.  The 
operator  having  his  hands  clean  and  the  scrotum 
washed  and  both  his  hands  disinfected,  and  also 
the  region  to  be  operated  upon,  the  animal  is  ready 
for  the  operation.  The  lower  testicle  is  grasped 
with  the  left  hand  and  with  the  right  hand  an  in- 
cision is  made  over  the  testicle,  down  to  the  tes- 
ticle. The  testicle  is  pulled  upon  until  the  cord  is 
seen.  Then  the  emasculator  is  used  to  crush  the 
cord.  This  emasculator  should  be  placed  on  the 
cord  as  high  up  as  possible.  Some  like  their  horses 
castrated  proud.  This  consists  in  leaving  part  of 
the  testicle.  This  last  method  is  not  safe,  as  it 
allows  the  testicle  to  become  infected  and  form 
what  is  commonly  known  as  water  seeds.  A 
tumor  grows  on  the  cord  and  may  become  the  size 
of  a  man's  head. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  1 33 

After  the  testicle  is  removed,  then  enlarge  the 
first  incision  (cut)  that  was  made  through  the  skin 
so  as  to  give  plenty  drainage.  This  incision  should 
be  about  eight  inches  long  for  horses.  By  having 
a  large  incision  the  upper  part  can  heal  first,  and 
there  will  be  good  drainage  until  the  scrotum  en- 
tirely heals.  If  possible  turn  the  castrated  horse  out 
to  pasture  after  the  operation,  and  it  will  exercise 
suflficiently  to  keep  the  parts  from  swelling.  Do  not 
keep  the  animal  in  a  dirty  stable  after  it  is  cas- 
trated, as  there  is  so  much  danger  from  infection 
in  the  dirty  horse  stable.  If  the  horse  is  broken  it 
can  be  put  to  light  work  a  week  after  the  castration. 

Bulls  do  not  need  to  be  thrown  to  be  castrated. 
The  incision  is  made  over  each  testicle,  and  the 
operation  carried  out  in  the  same  way  as  with  the 
horse.  Bulls  are  not  so  susceptible  to  infection  as 
the  horse, 

CATARRH. — Commonly  known  as  a  cold,  catarrh 
is  recognized  as  an  inflamed  state  of  the  upper  por- 
tions of  the  air  passages,  with  more  or  less  dis- 
charge from  the  mucous  membranes.  The  eyes 
often  sympathize  with  this  deranged  condition,  with 
a  watery  state  as  the  result.  The  causes  of  catarrh 
or  colds  in  animals  are  very  much  the  same  as 
those  causing  the  same  disturbance  in  human 
beings ;  as  with  people,  so  with  animals,  the  malady 
should  be  remedied  as  quickly  as  possible.  Bad  air 
is  one  of  the  most  frequently  observed  causes ;  con- 
sequently pure  cold  air  with  proper  blankets  to 
keep  the  body  warm  is  considered  the  best  treat- 
ment for  simple  catarrh  when  unaccompanied  with 
other  troubles. 

One  of  the  common  symptoms  is  dullness  and 
loss  of  appetite.     The  hair  stands  out  and  looks 


134  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

rough,  a  slight  cough  may  be  noticed  and  some- 
times a  rattling  is  heard  in  the  head.  For  cattle 
a  mild  dose  of  physic,  consisting  of  one-half  pound 
Epsom  salts  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  sweet  spirits 
of  niter  mixed  in  a  pint  of  lukewarm  water  and 
given  as  a  drench,  is  about  all  that  is  necessary. 
If  the  cold  hangs  on,  mix  together  one-half  pound 
of  nitrate  of  potash  or  saltpeter  and  one-half  pound 
of  gentian  root  and  give  a  teaspoonful  of  this  three 
times  a  day  until  the  animal  is  better.  Of  course 
good  food  should  go  along  with  this  treatment.  The 
horse  should  be  fed  soft  food  like  bran  mashes  and 
be  kept  quiet  in  a  well-ventilated  stable.  If  the 
cold  hangs  on  with  him,  mix  one-half  pound  of 
saltpeter  or  nitrate  of  potash,  one-half  pound  of 
sulphur,  and  one-half  pound  of  ground  gentian  root 
and  give  a  teaspoonful  morning,  noon  and  night. 

CATTLE  SCAB.— See  Scab  in  Cattle. 

CEREBRO-SPINAL  MENINGITIS.— A  disease 
fatal  in  violent  attacks  and  not  well  understood  as 
to  cause.  It  is  believed  to  be  non-contagious,  al- 
though frequently  extensive  outbreaks  occur,  sug- 
gesting that  it  may  be  contagious.  The  symptoms 
are  not  well  defined,  due,  perhaps,  to  the  fact  that 
other  diseases  are  included  under  the  general  name. 
Horses  of  all  ages  of  both  sexes  are  affected,  and 
temperament  and  physical  condition  have  nothing 
to  do  with  susceptibility  to  the  disease.  Likewise 
mules  are  affected  and  the  mortality  among  them 
is  equally  as  great  as  among  horses.  The  most 
acceptable  belief  as  to  cause  centers  around  a 
bacterial  organism  that  works  in  the  membranes 
of  the  brain.  However,  some  writers  attribute  the 
disease  to  ergot,  smuts  and  molds  supposed  to  be 
taken  with  the  food.  Moldy  corn  and  moldy  hay 
are  believed  to  be  associated  with  the  disease.     The 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  1 35 

symptoms  are  staggering  gait,  partial  or  total  in- 
ability to  swallow,  various  muscular  contractions 
and  delirium. 

Treatment  is  seldom  effected,  especially  in 
violent  cases.  Mild  forms  frequently  respond  to 
cathartics,  blisters  on  the  neck,  spine  and  throat. 
These  give  some  relief.  Small  doses  of  aconite  are 
also  believed  to  be  helpful.  Some  writers  place 
choking,  distemper,  grass  staggers,  and  blind  stag- 
gers along  with  this  brain  disorder. 

CHARBON.— See  Anthrax. 

CHEST  FOUNDER.— See  Navicular  Disease. 

CHICKEN  CHOLERA.— Chicken  or  fowl  cholera 
is  a  germ  disease,  and  contagious.  It  attacks  poultry 
of  all  kinds.  Diarrhoea  is  a  prominent  symptom  of 
the  disease.  Bad  food  or  improper  food  may  ag- 
gravate the  trouble,  but  the  germ  introduced  into 
the  system  either  in  food  or  drink,  is  at  the  bottom 
of  it.  At  first  the  droppings  will  take  on  a  whitish 
color.  Diarrhoea  will  then  result.  The  discharges 
will  then  become  thin  and  watery,  to  be  at  times 
frothy  and  greenish  in  appearance.  Fowls  thus 
attacked  soon  lose  their  appetites  and  become  stupid 
and  take  on  a  sickly  appearance.  The  head  drops 
toward  the  body,  the  eyelids  fall,  and  the  fowls 
stand  around  as  if  doped.  Some  recover,  but,  un- 
less checked,  the  flock  will  be  materially  injured. 

Of  course  dead  fowls  must  be  burned  at  once  and 
lime  and  other  disinfectants  used  to  keep  the  dis- 
ease from  spreading.  The  well  birds  must  be  kept 
apart  from  the  infected  quarters.  Care  must  be 
exercised  that  infection  be  not  carried  either  by 
visitors  or  attendants  from  the  sick  to  the  healthy 
quarters.  A  common  remedy  consists  of  i  part  of 
sulphate  of  iron  to  50  parts  of  water  for  drinking 
purposes.     Another  common   remedy  is  to  mix  a 


136  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

tablespoonful  of  sulphate  of  iron,  2  tablespoonfuls 
of  dried  blood,  and  2  tablespoonfuls  of  tincture  of 
opium  with  a  pint  of  water.  This  is  given  in  the 
food  in  doses  of  i  or  2  tablespoonfuls  of  this  mix- 
ture three  or  four  times  a  day  to  each  sick  bird. 

CHOKING. — Horses  frequently  choke  from  too 
rapid  eating  of  oats,  and  cattle  are  very  commonly 
troubled  on  attempting  to  swallow  apples,  turnips, 
or  small  pieces  of  ear  corn.  In  either  of  these  cases 
much  distress  is  occasioned  and  serious  danger. 
In  treating  the  horse,  the  best  treatment  is  to  give 
it  a  little  oil,  after  which  rub  the  hand  up  and  down 
the  gullet  to  scatter  the  accumulated  oats.  Some- 
times it  is  necessary  to  make  an  incision  in  the 
gullet  through  which  the  material  is  removed. 
Better  have  a  veterinarian  do  this.  When  food 
lodges  in  the  gullet  of  cattle,  suffocation  soon  fol- 
lows if  it  is  serious  and  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
gullet.  When  such  objects  have  lodged  near  the 
stomach  end  there  is  less  immediate  danger.  Of 
course  the  first  treatment  is  to  try  to  force  the  ob- 
ject down  by  using  the  hand,  if  at  all  possible.  If 
this  cannot  be  done  a  probang  should  be  used.  The 
probang  should  be  very  limber,  so  as  to  bend  easily, 
and  it  should  be  used  with  great  caution.  Cattle 
often  are  killed  by  the  accidental  puncture  of  the 
gullet  as  the  probang  is  pressed  down  toward  the 
mouth  of  the  stomach.  Consequently  no  unyield- 
ing article  like  a  broom  handle  or  even  a  buggy 
whip  should  be  used.  If  a  regular  probang  is  not 
available,  a  rope  a  little  less  than  one  inch  in 
diameter  can  be  inserted  and  gently  worked  down 
the  gullet.  Before  using  the  rope,  grease  it  well 
and  make  a  knob  at  the  end  to  be  inserted.  This 
knob  can  be  made  of  cotton  strings  or  muslin  cloth. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  I37 

COFFIN  JOINT  LAMENESS.— See  Navicular 
Disease. 

COLDS.— See  Catarrh. 

COLIC. — Colic  is  an  inflammation  of  the  bowels 
characterized  by  a  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  in- 
testinal walls.  It  is  a  very  common  disease  in 
horses,  and  occasionally  cattle  and  lambs  are  af- 
fected with  it.  Both  the  small  and  large  intestines 
may  be  afflicted  or  only  one  of  them.  There  are 
many  causes,  but  feed  and  water  are  the  controlling 
factors.  An  animal  just  stopped  from  hard  work 
and  given  a  large  quantity  of  cold  water,  especially 
after  eating,  may  be  quickly  troubled.  And  the 
animal  hot  from  work,  on  drinking  very  cold  water, 
often  gets  colic.  Then,  too,  a  change  of  food,  or  a 
change  from  dry  feed  to  green  food  or  eating  some 
root  crop  when  the  animal  is  not  used  to  it,  may 
bring  on  the  disease. 

Then,  again,  some  horses  and  cattle  are  more 
given  to  colic  than  others.  Some  individuals  are 
never  troubled,  and  others  are  almost  constantly 
under  its  influence.  If  much  inflammation  sets  in, 
a  very  serious  case  is  on  your  hands.  Two  kinds 
of  colic  are  known — the  spasmodic,  a  contraction, 
commonly  known  as  cramps  of  the  bowels ;  and 
wind  or  flatulent  colic  or  bloating.  Some  author- 
ities add  a  third,  and  call  it  worm  colic. 

Spasmodic  Colic. — This  kind  of  colic  is  first 
noticed  when  the  horse  begins  to  paw  with  his  fore- 
feet, cringes,  bends  his  head  around  as  if  looking  at 
his  side,  lays  on  the  ground  and  rolls  as  if  in  pain ; 
then  he  stands  quietly  for  a  while  and  repeats  these 
performances  again.  During  the  time  between  the 
spasms  the  animal  is  more  at  ease  and  frequently 
eats  a  little.  When  the  spasms  come  on  again  the 
shifting  about  and  the  roiling  are  repeated.     If  the 


138  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

cramps  are  severe  the  animal  breaks  out  with 
sweat.  The  pulse  is  accelerated  when  the  spasms 
are  on,  ranging  from  60  to  65  beats  a  minute.  If 
inflammation  has  set  in,  the  pulse  instead  of  rising 
and  falling  remains  more  constant  and  is  high  all 
the  time. 

When  the   spasms  are  on,   pressing  the  bowels 
seems  to  relieve  the  pain  and   please  the  animal. 


COLIC    PAINS 

A  common  attitude  with  colic.  When  seized  with  pains 
the  horse  paws,  scrapes  the  ground  with  his  front  feet,  stamps 
and  strikes  the  belly  with  the  hind  ones,  lays  back  his  ears 
and  looks  around  to  his  flank. 

but  if  inflammation  is  present  the  pressure  seems 
to  increase  the  pain.  The  best  treatment  is  to 
relieve  the  pain  with  an  opiate,  and  next  to  obtain 
a  free  action  of  the  bowels  by  a  purge.  Many- 
prescriptions  have  been  suggested,  among  which 
is  the  following:  4  tablespoonfuls  of  sweet  spirits 
of  niter,  4  tablespoonfuls  of  laudanum,  i  table- 
spoonful  of  ginger  and  i  tablespoonful  of  comnlon 
soda.  These  are  added  to  a  pint  of  warm  water 
and  given  as  a  drench. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  1 39 

Flatulent  Colic. — This  form  of  colic,  though 
not  so  acute,  is  much  more  constant  than  the  pre- 
ceding form.  The  body  is  swollen  in  the  region 
of  the  bowels,  the  gas  extending  quite  generally 
through  the  region.  There  is  also  a  tendency  to 
inflammation.  The  pulse  will  be  noticed  as  more 
rapid,  and  at  the  same  time  more  feeble,  the  breath- 
ing will  be  more  pronounced,  and  the  animal  less 
steady  on  its  feet.  In  treating  the  patient  it  is 
advisable  to  unload  the  rectum  with  greased  hand 
and  arm,  and  the  admission  of  warm  water  with 
soap  in  it,  is  also  likely  to  be  beneficial.  A  little 
turpentine  mixed  with  the  soap  and  water  is  good. 
The  intestine  is  to  be  cleaned  out  as  far  as  the  arm 
will  reach,  but  a  violent  purge  is  unwise,  as  that 
only  intensifies  the  inflammation.  Naturally  the 
first  thing  is  to  mildly  open  the  bowels.  For  this 
give  15  or  20  tablespoonfuls  of  linseed  oil  and  5 
or  10  tablespoonfuls  of  spirit  of  turpentine.  If  the 
case  continues,  it  is  advisable  to  call  a  veterinarian, 
and  it  may  be  necessary  to  use  the  trocar  and 
canula.  If  the  instrument  is  sterilized,  no  great 
risk  attaches  to  the  operation,  while  immediate 
relief  is  secured  as  the  gas  passes  out  through  the 
tube,  and  the  distention  is  visibly  reduced.  An 
excellent  mixture  for  this  kind  of  colic  consists  of 
6  tablespoonfuls  of  chloral  hydrate,  6  tablespoon- 
fuls of  laudanum,  3  tablespoonfuls  of  sulphuric 
ether,  2  tablespoonfuls  of  turpentine,  and  10  table- 
spoonfuls of  ginger.  Of  this  give  2  or  3  table- 
spoonfuls in  a  half  pint  of  warm  water  and  repeat 
every  half  hour  for  3  or  4  doses  and  then  place  the 
doses  an  hour  apart  until  all  danger  has  passed. 

When  there  is  a  good  deal  of  gas  with  consider- 
able swelling  an  excellent  drench  is  made  of  2 
tablespoonfuls  of  powdered  aloes,  4  tablespoonfuls 


140  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

of  spirits  of  ammonia  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  sul- 
phuric ether.  This  should  be  mixed  with  a  pint  of 
water  and  given  promptly.  In  case  of  considerable 
pain  use  this:  4  to  6  tablespoonfuls  of  hydrate  of 
chloral  and  eight  tablespoonfuls  of  sugar  mixed  in 
a  pint  of  water  and  give  as  a  drench. 

CONCRETIONS  OR  CALCULI  OF  URIN- 
ARY ORGANS.— The  collection  of  solid  mineral 
matter  in  the  urine  may  become  lodged  in 
the  kidney,  the  ureter  (duct  leading  from 
the  kidney),  the  bladder  or  urethra  (the  duct 
leading  from  the  bladder).  All  animals  are 
more  or  less  subject  to  these  conditions,  and  yet 
are  not  so  affected  as  they  are  sometimes  thought 
to  be.  Many  a  case  of  so-called  kidney  colic  is  in 
reality  an  affection  of  the  digestive  system.  The 
cause  for  these  mineral  accumulations  perhaps  varies 
under  different  conditions,  yet  the  most  common 
circumstance  under  which  t-hey  occur  is  during  the 
time  when  animals  are  fed  exclusively  or  largely 
upon  dry  feed  such  as  exists  in  the  winter  time 
where  silage  is  not  fed.  Wheat  bran  has  been  at- 
tributed as  one  of  the  most  sourceful  means  of 
bringing  on  this  trouble.  When  it  is  fed  with  suc- 
culent feeds  and  an  abundance  of  water  allowed 
these  disorders  do  not  occur. 

The  symptoms  do  not  differ  a  great  deal  from 
some  forms  of  colic,  due  to  stomach  or  intestinal 
disturbances,  especially  in  the  frequent  attempts 
to  empty  the  bladder.  The  animal  usually  shows 
more  or  less  pain  from  the  restless  condition,  looks 
around  at  the  flank,  dribbles  his  urine  frequently, 
which  is  occasionally  blood  stained.  There  may  be 
a  complete  obstruction  of  the  passages,  in  which 
case  no  urine  is  voided. 

Treatment  varies  with  the  location  of  the  trouble, 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS 


141 


in  which  little  can  be  accomplished  when  the  gravel 
or  stone  is  located  in  front  of  the  bladder.  If 
within  the  bladder,  not  obstructing  its  outlet,  it  is 
not  likely  to  make  its  presence  known.  Agents 
should  be  given,  however,  to  overcome  the  pain 
and  to  relieve  the  frequently  existing  spasm  at 
point  of  obstruction,  as  far  as  possible,  which  may 


RETENTION    OF    THE    URINE 

By  means  of  a  catheter  the  greater  portion  of  the  urine  can  be 
drawn  off.  The  op€ratlon  is  shown  in  the  picture. 

allow  passage  of  stone.  Give  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
laudanum  or  chloral  to  a  dose  and  repeat  in  two  or 
three  hours  if  any  pain  or  trouble  is  still  indicated. 
In  inducing  the  animal  to  drink  liberal  quantities  of 
water  the  condition  may  be  somewhat  relieved  by 
making  the  urine  more  watery  in  character  and 
possibly  dissolving  a  portion,  allowing  the 
remainder   to   pass    along   its    course.     When    the 


142  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

obstruction  occurs  within  the  urethra  the  removal 
should  be  made  by  incising  through  the  tissues  on 
to  or  near  the  obstruction,  removing  by  forceps  and 
suturing  up  the  wound.  A  skilled  operator  is  re- 
quired for  this,  hence  the  veterinarian  should  be 
called. 

CONSTIPATION.— An  infrequent  movement  of 
the  bowels  with  the  dung  hard  and  dry.  The  animal 
is  said  to  be  bound  up  or  costive.  Bad  food,  im- 
proper feeding,  lack  of  exercise,  all  contribute  to  the 
trouble.  Treatment  is  in  the  line  of  laxative  and 
succulent  food,  such  as  wheat  bran,  green  grass, 
silage  and  linseed  oil  meal.  If  the  case  is  one  re- 
quiring immediate  action  give  any  of  the  usual 
purgatives,  but  do  not  continue  their  use  as  a 
regular  thing.  If  green  grass  is  not  possible,  nor 
silage  available,  give  one  or  two  teaspoonfuls  of  the 
following  mixture  in  the  food  three  times  a  day: 
Equal  parts  of  ground  gentian  root,  powdered  nux 
vomica,  powdered  ginger  and  sulphur. 

CORNS. — Small  swellings  or  tumors  on  the  sen- 
sitive heel  in  the  triangular  space  between  the  bars 
and  the  wall  of  the  heel.  These  are  found  in  the 
fore  feet  only,  and  almost  always  on  the  inside  heel. 
They  are  caused  most  frequently  by  bad  shoeing 
or  from  wearing  the  shoe  for  too  long  a  time.  These 
growths  do  not  always  cause  lameness,  although, 
as  a  rule,  they  do.  They  are,  however,  always  sen- 
sitive to  pressure  and  usually  appear  as  tumors  of 
a  hard,  corny  character.  Neglected  corns  are 
liable  to  fester  and  must  then  be  laid  bare  by  the 
knife  and  be  poulticed.  Neglect  of  this  treatment 
results  in  the  matter  or  pus  finding  its  way  up 
through  the  coronet.     Thus  quittor  may  result. 

Give  the  foot  a  careful  dressing  by  paring  the 
heel,  and  bathe  the  corn  with  a  weak  carbolic  acid 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  1 43 

solution.  After  doing  this,  place  a  fold  of  muslin 
over  the  corn  and  then  over  all  a  bran  and  linseed 
poultice.  A  complete  rest  from  work,  hard  roads 
and  shoes  should  now  be  given  the  animal  until 
the  corn  has  entirely  disappeared.  When  the  feet 
are  again  shod,  leather  should  be  used  as  a  protec- 
tion. Many  corn  salves  are  recommended,  but 
unless  the  corn  be  removed  and  the  pressure  taken 
from  the  wound,  there  can  be  no  cure,  even  though 
the  tumor  is  pared  away. 

CORNSTALK  DISEASE.— When  cattle  are  al- 
lowed to  run  in  stalk  fields  it  frequently  happens 
that  a  large  per  cent  die  from  various  causes.  All 
these  troubles  are  classed  under  the  one  term — 
cornstalk  disease.  In  some  western  fields  where 
there  is  a  second  growth  of  cane  stalk  late  in  the 
fall  an  early  frost  will  at  times  develop  in  the  stalk 
a  deadly  poison  (hydrocyanic  acid),  which  kills  the 
animal  in  a  very  few  minutes  after  eating  it.  This 
poison  has  not  been  found  in  the  cornstalk. 

In  the  last  year  or  two  some  of  our  state  experi- 
ment stations  have  been  investigating  several  molds 
which  seem  to  affect  not  only  cattle  but  horses  as 
well.  These  molds  grow  quite  abundantly  upon 
cornstalks,  alfalfa,  and  other  forage  crops.  The 
death  of  a  great  number  of  animals  has  been  traced 
directly  to  the  feeding  of  such  affected  fodder,  hay, 
or  corn.  These  molds,  however,  must  have  a  cer- 
tain amount  of  moisture  for  their  growth,  and  it 
has  been  shown  that  when  the  feeds  have  been 
properly  harvested  and  sheltered  no  trouble  has 
resulted.  Only  in  materials  exposed  to  the  wea- 
ther, allowing  the  development  of  these  lower 
forms  of  plant  life,  has  serious  trouble  been  found. 

In  the  treatment  of  these  troubles  nothing  reli- 
able can  be  given,  as  the  disease  usually  comes  on 


144  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

without  any  warning  and  the  animal  dies  suddenly. 
Much  of  the  trouble  can  be  avoided  by  allowing 
the  animals  only  a  limited  amount  of  the  feed  or 
in  the  stalk  field  a  few  hours  only  each  day.  It  is 
necessary  that  plenty  of  pure  water  should  be  given 
frequently  and  enough  of  other  roughage  to  keep 
the  animals  from  gorging  themselves  on  the  fodder. 

COW  POX. — An  infectious  disease  passed  from 
one  cow  to  another.  It  affects  herds  in  all  parts 
of  the  world  and  is  similar  to  smallpox  in  the 
human  being,  only  it  is  not  so  fatal.  When  first 
affected  the  cow  is  feverish,  slacks  somewhat  in 
the  milk  flow,  and  presents  little  red  pimple-like 
spots  around  the  teats.  In  a  day  or  two  these  be- 
come enlarged  and  become  blisters,  containing 
within  a  watery  fluid,  which,  if  not  broken,  dry  up 
themselves  and  form  scabs,  leaving  the  teat  in  time 
perfectly  natural.  Ordinarily,  special  treatment  is 
not  given.  There  is  no  objection,  however,  to  pro- 
viding a  simple  tonic  composed  of  one-quarter 
pound  saltpeter,  one-quarter  pound  sulphur,  and 
one-quarter  pound  ground  gentian  root.  Give  a 
teaspoonful  of  this  night  and  morning  in  a  mash. 
The  teats  should  be  bathed,  just  before  milking, 
with  any  common  disinfecting  solution.  If  the 
sores  are  slow  in  healing,  sweet  oil,  to  which  is 
added  a  little  carbolic  acid,  will  soon  correct  the 
trouble. 

CRACKED  HOOFS.— See  Sand  Cracks. 

CRIBBING. — A  habit  of  biting  the  manger  or 
other  objects,  often  sucking  in  the  air  at  the  same 
time.  This  bad  habit  is  frequently  called  wind 
sucking.  It  is  the  result  of  a  habit  formed  when 
young.  There  is  really  no  cure  when  the  habit  is 
once  formed,  but  different  measures  may  be  em- 
ployed to  lessen  the  fault.     A  broad  strap  firmly 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS 


MS 


placed  around  the  neck  brings  the  desired  effect 
with  some  individuals. 

CRIB  SUCKERS.— This  bad  habit  usually  be- 
gins in  colt  days.  It  may  arise  from  a  sore  tooth. 
The  colt,  to  relieve  the  feeling,  bites  the  manger, 
and  in  so  doing  acquires  the  habit.  When  hanging 
on  to  the  manger,  air  is  sucked  in  and  this  fre- 
quently brings  on  colic.  The  best  treatment  is  to 
break  up  the  habit.     Examine  the  mouth  first  to  see 

if  anything  is  wrong  with 
the  teeth.  Muzzle  while 
standing  in  the  stable. 
The  old  cribbers  never 
give  up  the  habit. 

CRAMP   COLIC— See 
Colic. 

CURB. — A  sprain  or  in- 
jury to  the  ligament  situ- 
ated on  the  back  part  of 
the  hock  joint.  Anything 
that  puts  too  much  stress 
on  this  part,  such  as 
holding  back  heavy  loads 
going  down  hill,  or  back- 
ing up  too  heavy  loads,  or 
the  hind  legs  slipping 
too  far  under  the  horse's 
body,  may  cause  curb 
disease.  It  is  also  caused 
by  kicks  or  by  the  whif- 
fletree  striking  against  the 
back  of  the  hock  joint. 
There  will  be  swelling 

While  common  to  all  vari-  i    i        .     •      ^i  ,  j 

eties  of  the  horse,  curbs  are  and  heat  m  the  part  and 

most  frequently   seen   in   the  ,  „        t„    ^^.^„   „-o«^ 

lighter  breeds  and  especially  lameness.     In  some  cases 
hOTse^**^*^'"^    ^^    trotting  ^^^^.^    ^ju    |^g     swelling, 


CURB 


146  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

but  no  lameness.  If  the  swelling  is  hot  and  tender 
to  the  touch,  mix  half  an  ounce  acetate  of  lead  and 
two  ounces  tincture  of  arnica  with  one  quart  of 
water.  Shake  up  and  apply  a  little  to  the  swollen 
part  three  times  a  day  and  continue  until  the  heat 
and  swelling  disappear.  If  there  should  be  any 
swelling  after  the  heat  and  lameness  have  disap- 
peared, mix  I  teaspoonful  of  biniodide  of  mercury 
with  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  Rub  on  a  little  with 
the  fingers,  let  it  remain  on  for  24  hours,  then  wash 
off  with  warm  water  and  soap  and  repeat  the  blister 
in  three  weeks  if  needed.  In  cases  where  there  is 
swelling,  but  no  heat  or  lameness,  the  lotion  would 
be  of  no  use,  but  the  above  blister  should  be  used 
as  directed.  In  old  or  long  standing  cases  of  curb, 
if  the  animal  is  not  lame,  it  is  best  to  let  it  alone, 
as  medicines  would  be  of  no  service. 

DIABETES;  PROFUSE  STALING.— In  man 
there  are  two  forms  of  this  trouble  seen  rather 
frequently,  but  among  domestic  animals  only  the 
insipid  form  is  common.  It  is  often  simply  a  sign  of 
some  other  disease,  but  not  infrequently  occurs 
under  similar  circumstances ;  such  as  certain  forms 
of  indigestion,  the  result  of  eating  musty  or  dam- 
aged feed.  The  most  characteristic  symptom,  of 
course,  is  the  frequent  urination  of  liberal  quanti- 
ties of  urine.  Associated  with  this  is  usually  an 
unabating  thirst.  The  animal  loses  flesh  rapidly, 
the  flanks  are  tucked  up,  the  coat  is  dull,  languid 
and  staring,  and  great  weakness  is  shown.  If  not 
relieved,  the  animal  may  die  from  exhaustion.  In 
the  second  form  of  diabetes,  the  distinguishing  fea- 
ture is  the  presence  of  sugar  in  the  urine. 

If  in  a  working  animal  it  should  be  laid  off 
from  work.  Search  should  be  made  for  the 
cause    of    trouble.      If    any    of    the    food    ap- 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I47 

pears  suspicious  it  should  be  substituted  with 
wholesome  food.  To  relieve  the  ardent  thirst 
and  assist  recovery,  a  teaspoonful  of  the  crystals 
of  iodine  should  be  given  in  a  ball  of  linseed  or 
other  pasty  material.  It  may  be  desirable  to  repeat 
this  in  three  or  four  days.  Also  give  in  the  drink- 
ing water  4  tablespoonfuls  of  bicarbonate  of  soda 
three  times  daily. 

DIARRHOEA.— See  Dysentery. 

DIFFICULT  PARTURITION.— See  Obstet- 
rics. 

DIPPING  LIVE  STOCK.— There  are  only  two 
satisfactory  methods  of  treating  animals  with  a  dip. 
The  first  is  hand  treating,  where  the  number  of 
animals  are  few  and  easy  to  handle.  In  hand  treat- 
ing the  animal  the  dip  is  applied  with  scrubbing 
brushes,  sponges,  etc.,  and  all  parts  of  the  body 
liable  to  infection  should  then  be  thoroughly  and 
vigorously  rubbed.  If  hand  treating  is  properly 
performed  it  is  an  excellent  method.  The  second 
method  consists  of  immersing  the  diseased  animals 
in  the  dipping  solution.  There  are  two  forms  of 
vats  in  use  for  this  purpose.  The  cage  vat  is 
designed  for  comparatively  few  cattle.  As  its  name 
implies,  it  consists  of  a  cage  in  which  the  animal 
is  placed  and  then  lowered  into  a  vat  containing 
the  dip.  Where  a  large  number  of  animals  are  to 
be  dipped,  the  swimming  vat  is  very  popular.  The 
animals  are  forced  to  pass  through  the  vat,  which 
contains  sufficient  dip  to  completely  immerse  them 
when  they  plunge  into  the  solution. 

The  coal-tar  dips  are  made  from  some  of  the 
products  of  the  distillation  of  coal  tar.  When 
mixed  with  water  they  form  a  milky  emulsion, 
having  a  strong  odor  of  coal   tar.    The   coal-tar 


148  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

preparations,  in  addition  to  being  used  as  parasit- 
icides, have  become  very  popular  disinfectants  in 
hospitals.  These  preparations  are  used  with  good 
success  on  all  open  wounds,  where  a  disinfectant  is 
required.  In  poll  evil  and  fistulous  withers  they 
are  extremely  valuable,  owing  to  the  fact  that  in 
addition  to  their  power  as  a  germicide  they  have 
been  perfectly  safe  to  place  in  the  hands  of  persons 
not  accustomed  to  handling  drugs,  because  of  their 
non-poisonous  nature.  They  have  been  found  quite 
efficient  when  used  in  three  per  cent  solution. 

DISHORNING.— Some  cattle  breeds  are  horn- 
less. Most,  however,  are  not.  Removing  the  horns 
is  done  quickly  and  is  more  humane  than  to  permit 
them  to  remain,  by  which  death  frequently  follows 
to  stock  and  even  to  people.  The  dishorning  ma- 
chine is  intended  for  animals  whose  horns  are 
not  removed  when  young.  The  simplest  method 
of  dishorning  is  to  use  a  stick  of  caustic  potash. 
Apply  it  to  the  small  horn  button  when  a  calf  is  a 
few  days  old.  Moistening  this  and  rubbing  the 
potash  over  the  skin  will  permanently  destroy  the 
horn  tissue  and  no  horns  will  result. 

DISTEMPER.— See  Strangles. 

DROPSY. — A  condition  in  which  the  fluid  por- 
tion of  the  blood  escapes  from  the  blood  vessels  and 
collects  in  the  body  cavities  or  under  the  skin.  Any 
sluggish  condition  of  the  blood  occasioned  by  dis- 
ease or  faulty  nutrition  may  induce  this  collecton 
in  various  parts  of  the  body.  Dropsy  is,  therefore, 
not  a  disease,  but  a  symptom  of  some  other  dis- 
ease. This  being  the  case,  treatment  depends  upon 
the  original  disease,  upon  the  nature  of  which  de- 
pends in  turn  the  possibility  of  permanent  or  tem- 
porary cure. 


HEALTH    AND    DISEASE 

In  the  upper  picture  the  pigs  are  treating  themselves. 
Below  are  shown  hogs  which  died  during  shipment  to 
market. 


-/^ 


'  MAKING    POST    MORTEM    EXAMINATIONS 

The  upper  right  hand  picture  shows  the  intestines  of  a 
healthy  sheep.  On  tlie  left  nodule  disease  is  discovered.  The 
bottom  picture  illustrates  how  a  carcass  may  be  opened  for 
the   examination. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I49 

A  mild  attack  of  drop.sy  is  indicated  when  the 
legs  of  a  horse  swell  up,  due  to  lack  of  exercise 
and  poor  circulation  as  occasioned  by  standing  in 
the  stable.  The  first  thing,  of  course,  is  to  start 
better  blood  circulation.  Hand  rubbing  is  gx)od; 
bathing  with  hot  water  acts  similarly.  Any  med- 
icine that  stimulates  the  action  of  the  kidneys  will 
prove  helpful.  Saltpeter  is  excellent  for  this.  Use 
once  a  day  for  three  or  four  days  in  succession,  and 
give  4  tablespoonfuls  at  a  dose.  In  connection  with 
this  treatment  supply  the  animal  with  succulent  or 
"laxative  food,  that  the  bowels  may  be  kept  free  and 
open.  Any  of  the  tonic  condition  powders  will 
help. 

DYSTOKIA.— See  Obstetrics. 

ECZEMA. — An  inflammatory,  non-contagious  dis- 
ease of  the  skin  in  which  eruptions  may  occur  in 
the  form  of  vesicles,  pustules,  crusts,  scales,  or 
simple  redness.  Its  principal  victims  are  animals 
fed  rich  food,  the  penalty  being  associated  with 
some  gastric  or  intestinal  disturbance.  Treatment 
is  both  external  and  internal.  The  former  should 
be  in  the  nature  of  washes  for  cleanliness  and  heal- 
ing. Tar  soap  is  recommended.  A  wash  made 
of  4  tablespoonfuls  of  carbonate  of  potassium  dis- 
solved in  a  quart  of  water  is  also  excellent.  After 
a  good  rub  with  this,  wash  off  with  warm  water. 

If  itching  causes  any  distress,  prepare  a  wash 
consisting  of  2  tablespoonfuls  of  acetate  of  lead,  8 
tablespoonfuls  of  tincture  of  opium  and  a  quart  of 
water.  Where  scales  have  formed  and  the  skin  is 
thick  and  scurvy,  rub  in  a  little  with  the  fingers 
some  biniodide  of  mercury  and  vaseline.  Use  2 
teaspoonfuls  of  the  mercury  and  8  tablespoonfuls 
of  the  vaseline.  One  application  will  do  the  work. 
If  the  case  is  bad,  several  parts  being  affected,  treat 


150  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

only  one  part  at  a  time  with  the  mercury  salve.  Be 
certain  to  have  the  animal  tied  so  that  he  cannot 
get  his  mouth  to  the  treated  region. 

For  internal  treatment  let  the  physic  come  first. 
For  horses,  mix  4  tablespoonfuls  of  aloes,  4  table- 
spoonfuls  of  ginger  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  soda 
carbonate  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  boiling  water. 
Let  cool  to  proper  temperature  and  give  as  a  drench. 
For  cattle,  give  a  pound  of  Epsom  salts  and  4  table- 
spoonfuls of  ginger  in  water  as  a  drench.  Follow- 
ing the  physic  should  come  a  good  blood  tonic.  To 
prepare  this,  mix  16  tablespoonfuls  each  of  nitrate 
of  potassium  and  sulphate  of  iron.  Give  in  doses 
of  ijE^  tablespoonfuls  daily  in  a  bran  mash  until  all 
is  used. 

DYSENTERY.— An  inflammation  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  large  intestine  near  the  rectum, 
accompanied  with  straining,  discharge  of  blood,  and 
fever.  Poisonous  and  irritating  food  causes  it,  stag- 
nant and  foul  water  favors  its  development,  but  any 
exposure  to  cold  or  excessive  heat  or  overwork 
may  bring  it  on.  In  cattle  the  acute  form  is  at- 
tended with  shivering,  arching  of  the  back  and 
tenderness  about  the  loins.  The  animal  grunts, 
yawns,  grinds  its  teeth,  and,  at  short  intervals,  dis- 
charges from  its  bowels  a  thin,  ill-smelling  dung 
mixed  with  blood  and  pus.  The  thirst  is  excessive, 
the  animal  is  dull  and  stupid,  and  loses  flesh  rapidly. 
After  the  disease  has  gone  on  a  few  days,  the  hide 
becomes  rough  and  unhealthy,  the  teeth  loose,  the 
dung  bloody  and  fetid,  the  eyes  sink  in  the  head  and 
dropsical  swellings  appear  about  the  lower  jaws 
and  legs,  and  usually  the  creature  dies  exhausted. 
For  acute  dysentery,  when  seen  early,  give  horses 
a  drench  consisting  of  15  tablespoonfuls  of  castor 
oil,  8  tablespoonfuls  of  laudanum,  and   i   pint  of 


>        -  DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  I5I 

linseed  oil.  The  rectum  and  lower  bowel  should 
be  washed  out  with  large  injections  of  simple  warm 
water.  For  chronic  forms  10  grains  of  calomel,  a 
teaspoonful  of  opium,  and  4  tablespoons  each  of 
gentian  and  chalk  are  advised.  These  are  to  be 
mixed  and  given  either  as  a  ball  or  as  a  drench  once 
a  day.  Six  tablespoonfuls  of  laudanum  in  a  pint 
of  boiled  starch  every  two  hours  until  the  straining 
ceases,  is  also  very  good.  When  cattle  are  affected, 
remove  from  grass  or  other  succulent  food,  put  on 
a  dry  diet  and  give  a  pint  of  linseed  oil  every  day 
until  recovery.  If  the  action  of  the  bowels  does 
not  cease  promptly,  give  2  tablespoonfuls  of  pow- 
dered alum  and  2  tablespoonfuls  of  powdered  ginger 
in  a  quart  of  milk  once  or  twice  a  day  until  the  dis- 
charge moderates.  An  excellent  medicine  is  10 
tablespoonfuls  of  castor  oil  and  4  tablespoonfuls 
of  laudanum  mixed  with  linseed  gruel  and  given 
as  a  drench. 

ENTERITIS.— See  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels. 

EPILEPSY.— See  Fits. 

EPIZOOTIC— See  Influenza. 

ERGOTISM. — A  parasitic  fungus  that  grows  on 
different  species  of  grass  and  produces  in  one  stage 
of  its  development  black  or  purple  enlarged  spurs 
causes  ergotism.  The  disastrous  effect  of  ergot 
seems  to  appear  in  the  late  fall  and  winter,  when 
hay  or  straw  infected  with  ergot  are  continuously 
fed.  The  animals  will  be  troubled  with  irritation 
of  the  bowels  and  a  sloughing  off  of  the  extrem- 
ities. Frequently  the  animals  lose  parts  of  their 
tails  or  ears  or  hoofs.  In  others,  gangrenous  sores 
appear.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  poisoning 
the  symptoms  are  not  clearly  marked.  The 
best  treatment  is  secured  by  an  entire  change 
of   food,    so    as    to    remove    the    cause,    and    then 


152  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

to  follow  with  good  laxative  food.  Of  course, 
medicinal  treatment  will  not  be  satisfactory  if  an 
important  part  of  the  animal  like  the  hoof  were  to 
be  destroyed.  So  much  expense  would  be  con- 
nected with  keeping  the  animal  until  a  new  hoof 
had  been  formed  that  it  is  better  at  the  beginning 
to  destroy  the  animal  unless  very  valuable.  Where 
sores  only  manifest  themselves  such  treatment  as 
given  an  ordinary  wound  will  be  efficacious,  pro- 
vided food  absolutely  free  of  ergot  is  supplied. 

ERYSIPELAS.-— An  inflammation  of  the  skin 
and  tissues  beneath.  Owing  to  a  blood  poison,  it  is 
characterized  by  a  swelling  and  hardness  of  the 
affected  parts  which  has  a  tendency  to  spread  and 
form  abscesses.  In  horses  and  cattle,  erysipelas 
is  nearly  always  the  result  of  wounds  and  generally 
of  those  in  the  legs  of  animals  weakened  by  hard 
work  and  poor  food,  or  else  in  young  animals  whose 
blood  is  vitiated  by  the  poison  of  glanders  or  some 
other  animal  contamination.  The  disturbance  is 
noticed  on  the  third  or  fourth  day  after  the  injury 
in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  the  wound.  The 
skin  is  swollen,  smooth,  hot,  tender,  and  painful. 
The  swelling  gradually  extends  around  it,  some- 
times deep  into  the  muscles.  The  surface  is  hard 
and  tense,  but  often  when  the  finger  is  firmly  pressed 
upon  it  and  withdrawn  a  depression  is  left.  In  severe 
cases  chills  occur,  the  pulse  is  weak  and  quick,  the 
breathing  hurried,  the  bowels  constipated  and  the 
urine  scanty  and  highly  colored.  There  is  con- 
siderable thirst,  but  no  appetite.  A  brisk  purge  is 
the  first  step  in  treating.  Follow  the  purge  with 
tincture  of  chloride  of  iron,  4  teaspoonfuls  in  a  pint 
of  water.  Give  this  every  three  or  four  hours.  At 
the  same  time  give  internally  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
hyposulphite  of  soda  in  a  pint  of  water  three  times  a 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  153 

day.  Externally  bathe  the  wound  with  the  follow- 
ing mixture :  Tincture  of  chloride  of  iron,  4  table- 
spoonfuls,  and  alcohol  one  pint.  Another  good 
ointment  is  sugar  of  lead  4  tablespoonfuls  in  a 
pint  of  water.  This  should  be  applied  with  a  wet 
cloth  to  the  diseased  parts. 

FARCY.— See  Glanders. 

FEVER. — Any  rise  in  temperature  above  the 
normal.  It  is,  as  a  rule,  a  symptom  of  the  body's 
reaction  to  some  form  of  infection.  It  is,  there- 
fore, not  a  disease  in  itself,  but  an  indication  of 
some  disorder  occasioned  by  infection  or  poison. 
To  treat  fever  is  not  so  necessary  as  to  remove  the 
cause  that  brought  about  the  disturbance  in  the  first 
place.  It  follows  from  this  that  fever  is  not  a 
cause,  but  a  result.  Germs  come  first,  and  fever 
is  only  a  sign  that  tells  of  their  presence.  Another 
thing  brought  to  light  in  reference  to  fever  is  this : 
Germs  are  less  active,  their  vital  energy  is  weakened 
and  their  power  lessened  when  the  heat  in  the  body 
is  increased.  Consequently  they  are  less  active  in 
their  destructive  tendencies  as  the  temperature  rises. 
Fever  is,  therefore,  a  provision  of  self-defense,  and 
the  body's  plan  of  bringing  its  forces  together  to 
battle  against  the  germ  foes  that  have  invaded  it. 

Just  what  degree  of  temperature  is  to  be  con- 
sidered is  difficult  to  establish.  Many  things  enter 
into  the  problem,  like  exercise,  age,  food,  and  mode 
of  living.  In  general,  however,  any  special  rise 
above  the  normal,  whatever  that  may  be,  is  the 
signal  of  danger  and  infection.  A  rise  of  a  degree 
or  two  indicates  a  mild  disturbance,  hence  a  mild 
fever;  an  elevation  of  two  or  three  degrees  in- 
dicates a  slight  fever;  of  four  or  five,  of  consider- 
able fever;  and  if  six  or  seven,  of  high  fever.  When 
the  elevation  reaches  108  degrees,  the  limit  of  life 


154  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

has  just  about  been  reached.  In  some  diseases  there 
is  a  regular  alternative  between  morning  and  even- 
ing temperatures.  In  others,  the  course  is  con- 
tinuous, with  slight  variations,  while  in  others  the 
course  is  intermittent.  In  this  last  named  it  varies 
at  different  portions  of  the  day,  but  reaches  a 
Dormal  at  a  certain  time  each  day. 

The  pulse-rate  usually  bears  a  certain  relation 
to  the  height  of  the  disease.  Consequently  the 
pulse  should  be  taken  in  connection  with  the  fever 
height  indicated  by  the  thermometer.  A  fast  pulse 
and  a  high  fever  in  general  is  more  serious  than  a 
high  fever  with  a  pulse  only  slightly  above  the 
normal  number  of  beats.  There  are  exceptions  to  this 
however,  as,  for  instance,  in  cerebro-spinal  menin- 
gitis. In  the  early  stages  of  fever,  the  develop- 
ment cannot  at  the  moment  always  be  decided.  In 
many  cases  little  treatment,  if  any,  will  be  neces- 
sary. The  caution  should  be  observed,  neverthe- 
less, of  ascertaining  the  cause  of  the  disturbance,  if 
possible.  In  any  case,  simple  cathartics  can  be 
given,  good  air  provided,  nourishing  feed  supplied, 
and  time  allowed  for  careful  observation  of  the 
system  and  of  the  actions  and  movements  of  the 
animal. 

FISTULAE. — A  chronic  discharge  from  some 
tubelike  channel,  with  no  tendency  to  heal.  Fistulae 
are  most  common  in  horses.  They  may  be  located  on 
the  withers  (fistulous  withers),  on  the  side  of  the 
face  (tooth  fistulae),  on  the  breast  bone  (sternal 
fistulae),  or  on  the  lower  jaw  (salivary  fistulae). 
Fistulous  withers  are  caused  from  some  external  in- 
jury (the  animal  rolling  on  a  rock,  ill-fitting  collars, 
the  saddle  pressing  on  the  withers,  or  from  being 
struck  by  a  club).  Tooth  fistulae  are  caused  by  a 
decayed  tooth.     The  pus  in  trying  to  get  out  of  the 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I55 

body  takes  the  easiest  course  and  eats  through  the 
bones  of  the  face  and  escapes,  causing  a  chronic 
discharge.  A  sternal  or  breast  fistula  is  caused  by- 
some  sharp  object  being  run  into  the  breast  and 
striking  the  breast  bone,  injuring  it  and  causing 
decay  and  pus  formation.  A  salivary  fistula  is 
caused  by  an  injury  to  the  tube  which  carries  the 
saliva  from  the  gland  to  the  mouth. 

Symptoms  of  Fistulous  Withers. — At  first  a  large 
swelling  appears  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  withers. 
In  about  a  week  this  enlargement  becomes  soft,  and 
the  fluid  contained  in  it  can  be  distinctly  felt.  If 
left  to  itself  the  swelling  gets  larger  and  softer,  and 
in  a  month  or  so  breaks  and  discharges  the  con- 
tents. The  fluid  that  comes  from  the  swelling  is 
first  thin  and  streaked  with  blood ;  later  it  contains 
yellow-appearing  masses.  The  last  material  is  the 
pus.  The  sack  that  formed  at  the  time  the  fistula 
was  caused  is  a  hard,  firm  membrane.  This  keeps 
the  wound  from  healing.  For  this  reason  the  dis- 
charge becomes  chronic.  The  wound  may  heal  and 
there  will  be  no  pus  discharged  for  a  month,  then 
the  old  opening  will  be  broken  and  the  pus  will  flow 
out  again  until  the  sack  is  emptied.  This  healing 
of  the  wound  and  then  breaking  again  may  be  kept 
up  for  years,  unless  the  disease  is  properly  treated. 
As  a  general  rule,  the  affected  animal  runs  down 
in  flesh. 

Treatment  for  fistulous  withers  consists  of  open- 
ing  the  swelling  and  inserting  muslin  strips  that 
have  been  dipped  into  terchloride  of  antimony.  In- 
sert one  and  remove,  inserting  another  and  leave 
in  the  opening  for  three  or  four  hours.  Repeat 
this  operation  every  four  or  five  days  for  a  month. 
In  addition  rub  on  the  outside  of  the  swelling  once 
every  two  weeks  a  mixture  made  of  2  teaspoonfuls 


156 


THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


of  cantharides  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  The 
tooth  fistula  usually  calls  for  the  removal  of  the 
tooth  and  thorough  disinfection  of  the  opening  from 
the  face  through  to  the  mouth.   With  a  sternal  fistula 


FISTULOUS    WITHERS 

Sometimes  only  the  skin  and  tissue  immediately  under  It 
become  affected.  In  such  cases  little  trouble  need  be  antici- 
pated; but  if  the  cause  is  not  removed,  the  deeper  structures, 
muscles  and  bones,  may  become  diseased. 


the  diseased  bone  may  need  to  be  scraped  and  then 
antiseptic  washes  used  daily.  The  salivary  fistula 
is  more  difficult  to  treat.  Better  have  the  veteri- 
narian to  examine,  and  an  operation  may  be  neces- 
sary. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I57 

FITS. — Some  horses  are  subject  to  fits,  and  with 
them  it  is  incurable.  These  should  not  be  driven, 
because,  when  the  attack  comes  on,  injury  may 
result  to  the  animal  itself  and  to  the  occupants  in 
the  carriage.  The  cause  of  the  difficulty  may  be 
overfeeding,  bad  circulation  or  indigestion.  When 
an  attack  occurs  the  best  treatment  is  to  throw 
cold  water  over  the  head.  If  this  attack  is  repeated 
you  had  better  consult  a  veterinarian. 

FLATULENT  COLIC— See  Colic. 

FLEAS. — Fleas  are  always  a  nuisance  and  always 
disagreeable.  They  live  in  dry,  filthy  quarters  and 
associate  with  dogs,  hogs,  and  chickens.  To  keep 
fleas  away  or  to  destroy  them  when  at  hand,  clean 
the  quarters  occupied  by  the  animals,  destroy  the 
bedding  and  add  lime  and  disinfectants.  Dogs  may 
be  washed  in  a  creolin  solution  of,  say,  2  table- 
spoonfuls  of  creolin  to  each  pint  of  water.  To  dis- 
infect chicken,  hog,  and  horse  pens  use  in  a  hand 
spray  any  of  the  so-called  sheep  dips  or  other 
preparations  manufactured  for  lice,  itch,  mange,  or 
insect  troubles. 

FLIES. — These  pests  are  a  nuisance  on  every 
farm.  While  they  do  not  directly  cause  death  they 
greatly  worry  and  irritate  farm  stock,  especially  in 
summer,  and  in  this  way  greatly  aflfect  the  results 
whether  along  dairy  or  beef  lines.  It  would  be 
impossible  to  estimate  the  misery  these  pests  inflict 
on  the  stock  of  the  country  during  a  single  year. 
Aside  from  the  pain  that  flies  inflict  on  domestic 
animals,  they  are  carriers  of  disease,  both  to  the 
human  family  and  the  beast  family.  A  great  many 
common  infectious  diseases  are  spread  by  flies,  in- 
cluding such  serious  diseases  as  typhoid  fever  and 
tuberculosis.  The  only  treatment  is  in  way  of  pre- 
vention.   As  the  breeding  places  are  in  filth  and 


l^B  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

manure,  it  follows  that  if  these  be  destroyed  or 
removed,  and  not  permitted  to  accumulate,  the 
floods  of  flies  will  disappear.  The  fly  remedies 
now  on  the  market  are  excellent.  When  sprayed 
about  the  stable  premises  and  on  the  animals  the 
flies  stay  away  until  the  application  evaporates. 
Darkened  stables  are  not  attractive  to  flies,  and 
by  this  means  the  nuisance  and  annoyance  is  min- 
imized. 

FLUKES,  LIVER.— See  Liver  Flukes. 

FOOT  AND  MOUTH  DISEASE.— This  malady 
generally  affects  ruminants,  but,  although  found 
most  often  in  cattle,  sheep,  and  goats,  it  may  be 
transmitted  to  swine,  and,  in  some  instances,  to 
horses,  dogs,  cats,  birds,  or  human  beings.  In  most 
cases  where  proper  disinfection  is  made  the  animal 
recovers  in  about  15  days.  The  most  dangerous 
thing  about  foot  and  mouth  disease  is  the  fact  that 
it  spreads  so  rapidly.  The  virus  which  transmits 
the  disease  may  be  carried  by  railroad  cars,  bedding, 
feeds,  dairy  products,  dogs,  cats,  birds,  or  persons. 
A  dog  running  through  a  pasture  may  be  the  means 
of  infecting  a  whole  herd. 

The  cause  of  the  disease  has  not  been  satisfac- 
torily determined,  but  it  is  definitely  known  that  the 
virus  which  reproduces  the  disease  comes  from  the 
ulcers  and  natural  secretions  and  excretions  of 
the  body,  such  as  milk,  saliva,  perspiration,  feces, 
urine,  and  exhalation.  The  contagion  is  not  harm- 
ful when  dried.  Infected  animals  lose  the  power  of 
transmitting  the  disease  when  the  ulcers  of  the 
mouth,  feet,  and  udder  have  healed. 

In  from  three  to  five  days  after  infection  the 
animal  has  a  moderate  fever.  The  appetite  is  lost 
and  the  mouth  is  kept  closed.  There  is  a  dribbling 
of  saliva,  and  in  two  or  three  days  yellowish-white 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  1 59 

spots  the  size  of  a  hemp  seed  appear  on  the  gums, 
the  lower  surface  of  the  tongue,  lining  of  the  mouth 
and  on  the  lips.  These  eventually  attain  the  size 
of  a  silver  dollar.  They  run  together,  burst  and 
form  painful,  foul-smelling  ulcers.  At  this  stage 
the  saliva  is  more  profuse  and  ropy  and  the  animal 
makes  characteristic  smacking  noises  with  the 
mouth. 

Infected  animals  lose  flesh  rapidly,  in  some  cases 
as  much  as  lOO  pounds  in  eight  or  ten  days.  The 
milk  is  thick,  yellowish-white,  has  a  bad  taste,  and 
is  with  difficulty  made  into  cheese  or  butter.  The 
reduction  in  milk  yield  during  the  sickness  and  for 
some  time  after  recovery  is  50  to  75  per  cent. 

Usually,  a  short  time  after  an  appearance  of  the 
disease  in  the  mouth  parts,  there  is  a  redness,  heat 
and  swelling  of  the  skin  at  its  junction  with  the 
hoof  and  especially  between  the  toes  and  upon 
the  soles  of  the  foot.  Similar  ulcers  to  those  on  the 
mouth  appear  on  the  feet  and  soon  burst.  The 
animal  becomes  lame  and  moves  stiffly  and  lies 
down  a  great  deal.  These  ulcers  ordinarily  heal 
up  in  one  or  two  weeks. 

In  some  cases  the  animal  dies  suddenly,  in  others 
lingers  a  few  hours  with  difficult  breathing  and  dis- 
charge of  blood  from  the  nose,  and  finally  dies  of 
paralysis  of  the  heart  and  lungs.  In  still  other 
cases  emaciation  and  reduction  of  milk  flow  is  the 
only  bad  result.  Sometimes  ulcers  form  at  the  root 
of  the  horn  and  cause  the  horn  to  drop  off. 

Owing  to  the  nature  of  the  disease,  its  contagion 
and  danger,  treatment  should  be  in  line  of  preven- 
tion and  in  destruction  of  infected  animals.  While 
the  disease  yields  to  treatment,  our  best  sugges- 
tions when  the  disease  is  suspected  is  in  notification 
to  the  state  officers  and  in  securing  the  services  of 


l6o  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

a  veterinarian  who  will  be  able  to  advise  what  is 
best  to  do. 

FOOT  PUNCTURE.— See  Wounds  and  Their 
Treatment. 

FOOT  ROT  IN  SHEEP.— A  chronic  inflamma- 
tion of  the  foot,  marked  by  ulceration,  softening  of 
the  hoof,  lameness,  and  the  discharge  of  a  sticky 
material  which  has  a  very  fetid  odor.  It  is  a  con- 
tagious disease,  and  is  produced  by  a  germ  that 
lives  in  the  soil  and  gains  entrance  to  the  feet 
through   wounds   and   surfaces   chafed   by   barbed 

grasses  and  stones,  or  by 
gritty  clay,  which  becomes 
lodged  between  the  toes  and 
hardens  there. 

The  first  symptom  is  a 
slight  lameness.  If  the  af- 
fected foot  be  examined, 
that  part  just  above  the 
horny  part  of  the  cleft  of 
the  foot,  either  in  front  or 
FOOT  ROT  behind,    will    be    found    in- 

ciLi''^^^^  ^^^S^  !r?s-   fla^^ed,  feverish,  and  moist. 

someUmes  so  serious  that     ErosionS      Or      ulcers      SOOn 
the  entire  hoof  rots  away. 

appear,  generally  on  the 
heel.  These  penetrate  the  foot  and  burrow 
beneath  the  horny  parts,  causing  fistulous  tracts 
from  which  exudes  a  foul-smelling  pus  possessing 
an  odor  sufficiently  characteristic  to  indicate  the 
disease  in  a  flock,  even  without  a  close  examination. 
In  time,  the  foot  becomes  greatly  overgrown  and 
deformed,  the  hoofs  increasing  in  length  and  curl- 
ing upward.  In  bad  cases,  the  suffering  is  so  great 
the  animal  lies  down  most  of  the  time,  but  when 
only  the  front  feet  are  diseased,  it  will  crawl 
around  on  its  knees. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  l6l 

That  the  disease  is  contagious  is  shown  by  the 
fact  that  it  generally  starts  in  one  foot  and  spreads 
to  the  others,  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  feet  of 
other  sheep  in  the  same  flock  become  diseased  in 
the  same  way,  the  outbreak  covering  a  period  of 
several  months.  In  cases  that  recover  sponta- 
neously the  foot  is  deformed  and  the  joint  is  stif- 
fened. It  is  only  in  virulent  outbreaks  where  all 
the  feet  are  diseased,  or  where  some  complication, 
such  as  maggots,  is  present,  that  deaths  occur. 

Having  as  its  cause  a  microbe,  it  is  proper  to 
take  measures  of  prevention  as  well  as  cure.  In 
purchasing  sheep,  it  is  highly  advisable  to  keep 
them  isolated  for  a  week,  as  a  test.  All  overgrown 
hoofs  should  be  trimmed.  Sores  or  wounds,  from 
any  cause,  should  be  carefully  disinfected  daily. 
Low,  boggy  lands  should  not  be  used  as  pasture 
for  sheep,  and  dirty,  unsanitary  pens  should  be 
made  sanitary,  as  these  all  predispose  to  an  out- 
break of  the  disease. 

As  treatment,  first  isolate  all  affected  animals. 
Mild  cases  are  best  treated  by  making  the  sheep 
stand  for  several  minutes  daily  in  a  trough  con- 
taining a  disinfectant,  or,  better  still,  by  arranging 
the  trough  of  suitable  length  with  fenced-up  sides 
and  a  widened  entrance,  so  the  sheep  can  be  easily 
started  into  the  inclosure  and  made  to  wade  through 
the  disinfectant. 

In  bad  cases  and  where  the  hoof  is  underrun  with 
pus,  the  horn  and  all  overgrowths  must  be  cut 
away  so  as  to  expose  the  diseased  parts  to  the 
action  of  the  disinfectant.  The  foot  should  then  be 
dried,  dusted  with  finely  powdered  burnt  alum, 
and  bandaged  to  keep  out  the  dirt.  This  antiseptic 
treatment  of  the  feet  must  be  kept  up  daily  as  long 
as  the  disease  exists.     Any  of  the  following  may 


r62  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

be  used:  i  pound  chloride  of  lime  to  I2  quarts  of 
water;  i  pound  of  pure  carbolic  acid  to  4  gallons 
of  water;  a  solution  of  creolin;  a  coal-tar  disin- 
fectant of  the  same  strength;  or  any  good  sheep 
dip  containing  these  substances  in  the  proper 
amounts. 

FOUNDER. — An  inflammation  of  the  sensitive 
or  soft  structures  between  the  hoof  and  bones  of  the 
foot.  The  popular  belief  that  founder  is  to  any 
extent  in  the  legs  and  chest  is  probably  an  error. 
The  disease  is  in  the  feet,  and  those  symptoms 
which  make  it  appear  as  a  stiffness  in  the  legs  and 
shoulder  are  but  the  natural  results  of  soreness  in 
the  feet.  The  same  statement  might  be  made  re- 
garding those  cases  which  are  popularly  described 
as  "  stove  up  in  the  shoulder."  Instead  of  the 
soreness  being  in  the  shoulder  in  these  cases,  it  is 
generally  in  the  feet,  or  at  least  below  the  knee. 

It  is  somewhat  difficult  to  explain  how  those 
influences  or  causes  which  are  known  to  produce 
founder  bring  about  that  condition,  but  observa- 
tion shows  clearly  that  an  irritation  of  the  diges- 
tive tract,  or  in  fact,  any  extensive  irritation  of  any 
mucous  surface,  may  produce  an  inflammation  of 
the  sensitive  laminae  of  the  feet;  that  is,  founder. 
Therefore  founder  may  be  produced  by  a  change 
of  feed  or  excessive  feeding,  a  change  of  work  or 
excessive  work  which  results  in  exhaustion,  large 
quantities  of  feed  or  water  when  warm  or  fatigued, 
sudden  changes  of  temperature  such  as  cooling  too 
fast  when  sweating,  and  a  long  drive  on  hard  roads, 
especially  without  shoes.  Excessive  purging  or 
diarrhoea  may  also  produce  it.  Founder  also  occa- 
sionally results  from  irritation  of  foaling,  but  this 
is  not  common. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS 


163 


There  is  no  essential  difference  in  the  nature  of 
the  disease  determined  by  the  particular  agent  or 
condition  which  causes  it.  "  Water  founder,"  and 
that  produced  by  over-feeding,  concussion,  or  ex- 
treme fatigue  are,  in  so  far  as  the  character  of  the 
disease  is  concerned,  one  and  the  same  thing. 

Founder  May  Occur  in  the  fore  or  hind  feet  or 
in  both;  but  generally  the  fore  feet  are  those  af- 
fected. A  stiffness  and  disinclination  to  move  are 
perhaps  the  first  symptoms  noticed.  The  position 
in  which  the  animal  stands  is  characteristic.     The 

fore  feet  will  be  placed 
well  forward,  so  that  the 
weight  will  be  borne  by 
the  heels,  while  the  hind 
feet  are  brought  well  up 
under  the  body  in  order 
to  take  as  much  weight 
off  the  front  feet  as 
possible.  This  position 
gives  a  rather  un- 
steady appearance  to 
animal,  and  the  hind 
feet  are  frequently 
shifted  in  order  to  maintain  as  steady  a  posi- 
tion as  possible.  From  this  fact  founder  is 
frequently  mistaken  by  inexperienced  persons  for  a 
disease  of  the  kidneys.  The  body  temperature  is 
usually  considered  increased ;  that  is,  there  is  fever 
— as  it  is  generally  expressed — due  to  inflamma- 
tion in  the  feet.  As  is  usual  in  the  first  stages  of 
inflammation,  the  pulse  beat  is  increased  in  fre- 
quency and  force.  An  increase  of  heat  in  the  feet, 
with  a  manifestation  of  pain  when  the  hoofs  are 
tapped  with  a  hammer,  are,  when  taken  with  all 
the  foregoing  facts,  sufficient  evidence  of  founder. 


FOUNDER 

In  bad  cases  of  founder 
the  foot  shrinks  from  the 
wasting  of  the  sensitive  sub- 
stances. A  typical  foundered 
foot  is  pictured  here. 


164  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

When  founder  occurs  in  one  foot,  however,  as  it 
sometimes  does,  the  diagnosis  may  be  more  dif- 
ficult for  the  inexperienced.  When  it  occurs  only 
in  the  hind  feet  the  position  which  the  animal  takes 
will  not  be  different  from  that  taken  with  founder 
in  only  both  fore  feet  but  from  different  causes. 
The  hind  feet  are  brought  well  forward  under  the 
body,  but  for  the  purpose  of  throwing  such  little 
weight  as  is  borne  on  them  on  the  heels. 

The  Feet  Should  Be  Kept  Moist. — Remove  the 
shoes  and  apply  moisture  to  the  feet.  The  latter 
may  be  done  by  standing  the  animal  in  water  five 
or  six  inches  deep  each  day,  several  hours  at  a 
time,  or  by  the  application  of  a  poultice  of  wheat 
bran  or  some  such  material,  or  by  wrapping  the 
feet  with  cloths  and  keeping  them  thoroughly 
saturated  with  water.  The  animal  should  always 
be  encouraged  to  lie  down  and  take  the  weight  off 
his  feet,  which  is  beneficial.  When  this  occurs,  a 
poultice  of  some  sort  must  be  used  to  apply  mois- 
ture to  the  feet.  It  may  be  applied  by  the  use  of 
a  sack  large  enough  to  envelop  the  foot  and  hold 
sufficient  of  the  poultice  to  retain  the  moisture  for 
some  time.  This  application  of  moisture  to  the 
feet  should  be  continued  until  the  severity  of  the 
inflammation  and  the  lameness  have  subsided. 

Unless  the  founder  be  due  to  excessive  purga- 
tion, a  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil  should  be  given  as 
a  purgative.  During  the  first  48  hours  from  30 
to  40  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  may  be  given 
every  three  or  four  hours.  Four  tablespoonfuls  of 
nitrate  of  potash  (saltpeter)  should  also  be  given 
three  times  a  day  in  the  feed  or  on  the  tongue.  If 
the  lameness  continues  after  the  acute  symptoms 
have  subsided,  a  rest  of  several  weeks  on  a  soft 
pasture  and  the  application  of  a  blister  around  the 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  165 

top  of  the  hoof  are  recommended.  The  following 
mixture  has  been  useful  as  a  blister:  Red  iodide 
of  mercury,  i  part;  lard,  4  parts;  cerate  of  can- 
tharides,  4  parts.  Apply  around  the  top  of  the 
hoof,  except  at  the  heels,  and  rub  for  10  to  15 
minutes.  The  animal  should  be  tied  so  that  it  can- 
not get  its  mouth  to  the  blistered  part  for  several 
hours  after  the  medicine  has  been  applied. 

CHRONIC  FOUNDER.— In  a  majority  of  cases 
the  above  treatment  will  be  followed  by  a  good 
recovery,  but  an  animal  once  foundered  is  probably 
more  likely  to  suffer  from  a  subsequent  attack.  If 
the  lameness  does  not  entirely  disappear  in  a  week 
or  ten  days,  it  is  seldom  that  a  complete  recovery 
takes  place.  In  such  cases  the  animal  is  likely  to 
remain  unfit  for  road  work  and  to  continue  to  show 
more  or  less  soreness.  These  are  the  cases  that 
Rre  later  said  to  have  "  chest  founder,"  or  "  stove 
up  in  the  shoulder,"  owing  to  the  fact  that  the 
muscles  of  the  chest  waste  away  from  lack  of  free 
use. 

In  some  cases  still  more  serious  results  follow 
an  acute  attack  of  founder.  The  inflammation  may 
be  so  severe  that  there  is  separation  between  the 
hoof  and  structures,  the  formation  of  pus,  and  a 
descent  of  the  central  organs  of  the  foot,  which 
causes  a  bulging  of  the  sole.  In  such  cases,  even 
though  recovery  takes  place  to  such  an  extent  that 
it  is  advisable  to  allow  the  animal  to  live,  it  is  not 
fit  for  work,  and  can  only  be  used  for  breeding 
purposes. 

FOWL  CHOLERA.— See  Chicken  Cholera. 

GAPES. — A  symptom  caused  by  worms  in  the 
windpipe ;  oftenest  seen  in  young  chicks  and  tur- 
keys.    Birds  droop,  cough,  and  lower  their  wings. 


i66  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

A  feather  moistened,  but  not  dripping,  with  kero- 
sene or  oil  of  turpentine  is  the  commonest  remedy. 
Cleanliness  of  food,  water  and  quarters  is  the  great 
preventive.  Poultry  men  who  keep  their  chicks 
on  ground  not  used  for  chick  raising  the  previous 
year,  and  who  insist  on  strictest  cleanliness,  report 
highly  satisfactory  results  in  avoiding  gapes. 

GARGET. — A  swelling,  accompanied  by  inflam- 
mation of  the  udder.  It  may  be  caused  by  kicks  or 
blows,  by  germs  getting  into  the  udder,  or  as  a 
result  of  holding  the  milk  too  long.  Do  not  use 
the  milk  when  the  udder  is  affected.  For  garget 
rub  with  hot  camphorated  oil  twice  a  day.  Give  as 
medicine  8  tablespoonfuls  of  hyposulphite  of  soda 
each  day,  either  in  the  feed  or  in  a  drench.  Keep 
up  the  treatment  for  two  weeks. 

GASTRITIS. — A  rather  uncommon  disease  in 
domestic  animals  and  the  result  of  a  disturbance  in 
the  stomach,  with  inflammation  following,  caused 
by  irritating  substances,  usually  of  a  poisonous 
nature.  A  common  SA^mptom  is  nausea  and  pain  like 
colic.  Indeed,  the  ordinary  outward  signs  of  colic  are 
observed.  At  first  the  pulse  is  strong,  which  weak- 
ens, and  runs  rapidly,  from  80  to  100  beats  a  minute. 
As  the  disease  progresses  the  pulse  becomes  ir- 
regular and  the  animal  dull  and  listless.  Treatment 
consists  of  simple  agents.  If  the  disturbance  is 
due  to  some  potassium  compound,  give  oil ;  if  to 
ammonia,  give  vinegar;  if  from  turpentine,  give 
oil  and  opium,  the  opium  in  teaspoonful  doses  every 
couple  hours.  After  recovery,  let  only  easily 
digested  food  be  provided. 

GID  IN  SHEEP.— A  disease  of  the  brain  due  to 
a  worm  in  the  brain  substance.  This  worm,  known 
as  the  bladder  worm,  is  a  form  of  the  tape-worm 
of  the  dog  at  an  early  stage  of  its  existence.     The 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS  167 

eggs  of  this  worm,  on  being  swallowed,  are  hatched 
in  the  stomach,  from  which  they  enter  into  the 
circulation,  finally  lodging  in  the  brain  and  spinal 
cord.  Those  that  lodge  elsewhere,  as  in  the  heart 
and  lungs,  grow  for  a  time  and  then  disappear. 
The  most  conspicuous  symptom  is  the  staggering, 
stupefied  condition  of  the  affected  animal. 

In  walking,  if  a  single  side  is  aflFected,  a  circle  is 
described.  The  feet  are  raised  as  if  the  animal  did 
not  see  well.  In  many  cases  blindness  results. 
The  growth  of  the  worm  is  somewhat  rapid.  In 
about  three  weeks  after  the  appearance  of  the 
disease  a  softened  condition  of  the  skull  results, 
which  may  be  found  by  pressing  the  fingers  over 
it.  From  this  it  will  be  observed  that  there  is  prac- 
tically no  treatment  for  animals  aflfected.  Occa- 
sionally the  skin  is  accidentally  broken  over  the 
point  where  the  worm  is  encysted,  out  of  which  it 
emerges  and  the  sheep  recovers. 

Treatment,  therefore,  is  along  the  line  of  this 
natural  recovery.  Find  the  soft  spot  by  pressing 
the  fingers  over  the  skull,  then  introduce  the  trocar 
and  canula.  Withdraw  the  trocar,  apply  a  syringe 
to  the  canula,  and  withdraw  the  contents  of 
the  cyst  within.  Of  course,  inflammation  of  the 
brain  may  set  in  and  the  sheep  die  from  this,  or 
another  worm  may  be  present  and  grow,  thus  caus- 
ing continued  disease.  Inasmuch  as  the  bladder 
worm  of  sheep  is  a  stage  of  the  tape-worm  of  the 
dog,  it  follows  that  destroying  all  affected  sheep, 
so  as  to  prevent  the  dogs  from  becoming  reinfested 
from  it,  is  the  only  really  safe  and  satisfactory 
method  of  warding  off  the  trouble. 

GLANDERS. — A  contagious  disease  peculiar  to 
the  horse,  ass,  and  mule,  and  may  be  communicated 
to  human  beings,  and  also  sometimes  to  carnivorous 


l68  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

animals  in  menageries,  by  means  of  infected  horse 
flesh,  and  also  by  means  of  inoculation  to  field  mice, 
guinea  pigs,  dogs,  cats,  goats,  rabbits,  and  sheep. 
Pigs  are  not  readily  susceptible  and  cattle  appear 
to  be  immune.  Like  all  diseases  of  a  contagious  or 
infectious  character,  glanders  is  due  to  a  specific 
organism,  known  as  the  bacillus  malleus. 

The  external  manifestations  of  glanders  differ 
and  consequently  the  disease  is  spoken  of  as  glan- 
ders or  farcy,  depending  upon  the  symptoms  pre- 
sented. The  disease  is  known  as  glanders  when  the 
horse  suffering  from  it  has  a  discharge  from  the 
nose,  ulcers  on  the  septum  nasi  (the  partition  divid- 
ing the  nasal  cavities)  and  enlarged  submaxillary 
glands,  and  is  known  as  farcy  when  the  affected 
animal  has  farcy  "  buds  "  or  ulcers  on  the  skin,  and 
corded  lymphatic  vessels  running  from  one  "  bud  " 
to  another.  In  farcy,  the  corded  lymphatics,  "  buds  '* 
and  ulcers  on  the  skin  are  very  apt  to  be  on  the 
inside  of  one  hind  leg  or  the  other,  but  may  appear 
on  the  inside  of  a  fore  leg,  or  on  the  neck  or  body. 

Farcy  was,  in  olden  times,  thought  to  be  a  different 
disease  from  glanders,  and  was  believed  by  many 
to  be  curable,  while  glanders  has  always  been  gen- 
erally believed  to  be  incurable,  but  it  is  now  known 
that  farcy  is  simply  one  manifestation  of  glanders. 
It  has  been  found  that  a  horse  with  glanders  may 
gfive  another  farcy,  and  vice  versa.  Guinea  pigs 
inoculated  with  the  discharge  from  a  glandered 
horse's  nose  will  develop  glanders,  and  pure  cul- 
tures of  the  glanders  bacillus  can  be  obtained  from 
them,  and  in  a  similar  way  if  guinea  pigs  are  in- 
oculated with  the  discharge  from  a  sore  on  a  horse 
with  farcy  glanders  may  be  produced  in  these  little 
experimental  animals,  and  upon  post  mortem  ex- 
amination pure  cultures  of  the  glanders  bacillus  can 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  I69 

be  obtained  from  the  lesions  of  the  disease  pro- 
duced in  them.  Glanders  and  farcy  may  again  be 
divided  into  two  forms,  acute  and  chronic  glanders, 
and  acute  and  chronic  farcy. 

In  the  acute  form  the  disease  develops  rapidly, 
the  lesions  form  more  speedily  and  with  greater 
rapidity  than  in  the  chronic  form  and  the  animal 
loses  strength  and  condition  and  dies  within  the 
course  of  a  few  weeks,  sometimes  in  the  course  of 
a  week  or  two.  It  is  not  unusual  to  meet  with  an 
animal  showing  symptoms  of  both  glanders  and 
farcy,  especially  in  the  acute  form. 

In  the  chronic  form  the  symptoms  are  not  so  well 
marked,  and  a  horse  may  go  for  months  keeping  in 
fairly  good  condition  and  able  to  do  its  work,  the 
disease  developing  very  slowly,  and  at  times  show- 
ing a  tendency  to  recover;  yet  such  an  animal  is  a 
source  of  danger  to  other  horses,  and  also  to  the 
man  taking  care  of  him  or  driving  him.  A  horse 
with  chronic  glanders,  or  farcy,  may  give  the  dis- 
ease to  another  in  an  acute  form,  especially  if  the 
other  one  is  more  susceptible  for  some  reason,  such 
as  a  less  strong  constitution  or  being  run  down  by 
hard  work. 

Post  mortem  examination  of  horses  with  glan- 
ders, or  farcy,  nearly  always  reveals  the  presence 
of  glanders  nodules  or  tubercles  in  the  lungs,  and, 
in  many  instances,  there  is  no  doubt  but  what  a 
horse  may  have  the  tubercles  of  glanders  in  his 
lungs  for  some  time  before  showing  outward  symp- 
toms of  the  disease,  and  in  many  cases  the  primary 
lesions  of  the  infection  occur  in  the  lungs.  A  horse 
with  lung  glanders  may  be  a  source  of  danger  to 
other  horses  and  cause  disease  in  them  and  yet  go 
unsuspected  for  some  time.  A  case  is  said  to  have 
occurred  in  Boston  a  number  of  years  ago  where  a 


170 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


hack  horse  lost  eight  successive  mates  with  gland- 
ers; he  was  finally  killed  and  his  lungs  were  found 
to  be  full  of  glanders  nodules,  and  yet  he  never 
showed  any  external  symptoms  of  glanders.    Such 


BAD    CASE   OF    GLANDERS 

The  farcy  form  Is  shown  here.  The  animal  has  not  long 
to  live.  Except  for  experimental  purposes,  every  horse  having 
glanders  should  be  killed  as  soon  as  the  disease  is  discovered. 

cases  could  be  cited  in  large  numbers  if  soace  per- 
mitted, but  one  example  will  answer. 

A  horse  with  lung  glanders  may  have  a  little  dry, 
spasmodic   cough,   may   look   somewhat   unthrifty, 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  I7I 

and  if  the  temperature  were  taken  it  might  be 
slightly  above  normal,  say,  loi  degrees  to  loi^, 
the  normal  temperature  being  loo  degrees.  Yet 
such  an  animal  might  do  its  work,  last  for  a  long 
time  and  not  be  suspected  as  a  source  of  danger 
until  several  cases  had  occurred  in  the  stable,  for 
which  it  was  difficult  to  account. 

While  a  well-marked  case  of  glanders  or  of  farcy 
is  not  difficult  of  diagnosis,  there  are  many  obscure 
cases  which  escape  detection  for  some  time.  If  a 
horse  has  a  well-marked  discharge  from  one  or  botfi 
nostrils,  with  characteristic  chancres  visible  upon 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  septum  nasi,  and  hard 
enlarged  submaxillary  glands  in  the  intermaxillary 
space,  it  is  not  a  difficult  matter  to  diagnose  such 
a  case,  and  any  horseman  ought  to  recognize  it. 
The  same  is  true  of  a  well-marked  case  of  farcy. 
When  the  lymphatic  vessels  on  the  inside  of  a  leg, 
especially  a  hind  leg,  are  swelled  and  corded,  with 
a  chain  of  farcy  buds  along  their  course,  some  of 
which  have  gathered  and  broken,  leaving  a  dis- 
charging open  ulcer  in  the  skin,  it  is  quite  evident 
that  the  animal  is  suffering  from  farcy. 

A  peculiarity  of  glanders  seems  to  be  a  tendency 
for  the  symptoms  to  appear  on  the  left  side;  in 
many  cases  of  glanders  the  discharge  and  ulcera- 
tion is  in  the  left  nostril,  and  the  left  submaxillary 
gland  is  enlarged ;  and  in  a  large  number  of  the  cases 
of  farcy  met  with  it  is  the  left  hind  leg  that  shows 
the  lesions  of  the  disease.  In  obscure  cases  of 
glanders  or  farcy  the  diagnosis  is  not  always  so 
easy,  even  for  experts,  and  then  other  methods  for 
determining  the  trouble  have  to  be  resorted  to. 
These  are  the  guinea  pig  test  and  the  mallein  test. 
The  guinea  pig  test  consists  of  inoculating  one  or 
two  of  these  little  animals  with  the  discharge  from 


172  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

a  suspected  horse's  nose,  or  from  a  farcy  sore.  If 
they  should  develop  glanders  it  would  be  proof 
positive  that  the  suspected  horse  had  this  disease; 
if  they  do  not  develop  glanders  it  is  not  always  pos- 
itive proof  that  the  suspected  horse  is  free  from 
the  disease.  Sometimes  more  than  one  test  is 
necessary,  or  another  method  of  diagnosis  may  have 
to  be  resorted  to.     This  is  the  mallein  test. 

Mallein  is  a  product  made  from  cultures  of  the 
glanders  bacillus  analagous  to  tuberculin  as  made 
from  cultures  of  the  tubercle  bacillus,  and  is  used 
for  testing  horses  for  glanders  much  as  tuberculin 
is  used  for  testing  cattle  for  tuberculosis.  A  horse 
infected  with  glanders  will  react  to  a  mallein  test 
in  much  the  same  way  as  a  cow  infected  with  tuber- 
culosis will  react  to  the  tuberculin  test.  It  is  not 
customary  in  some  states  to  kill  a  horse  that  reacts 
to  mallein  unless  it  shows  some  clinical  evidence  of 
disease.  All  horses  that  show  clinical  evidence  of 
glanders  or  farcy  in  some  states  are  killed  by  the 
state  authority,  and  the  law  requires  persons  know- 
ing or  suspecting  cases  of  this  kind  to  report  in 
writing  to  the  chief  of  the  cattle  bureau  of  the 
state  board  of  agriculture  or  to  the  inspector  of 
animals  in  the  city  or  town  where  the  disease  is 
believed  to  exist,  except  in  some  cities  where  the 
city  board  of  health  has  full  charge  of  glanders  and 
farcy.  Anyone  selling,  removing,  transporting,  or 
concealing  a  horse  knowing  or  having  reasonable 
cause  to  believe  it  has  glanders  or  farcy  is  in  most 
states  liable  to  a  heavy  penalty. 

In  stables  where  glanders  exists,  in  some  cases, 
all  the  horses  are  tested  and  divided;  the  reactors 
are  separated  from  the  non-reactors,  and  those  that 
react  are  tested  once  a  month  until  they  cease  to 
react,  or  show  physical  indications  of  glanders  and 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  I73 

are  killed.  Used  in  this  way  mallein  seems  to  have 
a  curative  effect  on  incipient  cases,  and  has  been 
very  successfully  used  in  freeing  infected  stables 
from  the  disease.  When  a  horse  is  killed  because 
it  has  glanders  or  farcy  the  stall  should  be  thor- 
oughly disinfected  where  it  has  been  kept,  as  well 
as  the  harness,  blankets,  currycomb  and  other 
utensils,  and  anything  that  cannot  be  easily  disin- 
fected ought  to  be  destroyed.  Public  watering 
troughs  where  the  horse  has  been  watered  should  be 
emptied  and  cleaned  out,  and  the  blacksmith  ought 
to  disinfect  his  shop  where  the  horse  was  shod. 

There  are  various  diseases  that  may  be  taken  for 
glanders  or  farcy,  and  there  have  also  been  numer- 
ous instances  where  glanders  has  been  taken  for 
something  else ;  for  instance,  chronic  nasal  catarrh. 
What  many  old-time  veterinarians  used  to  call 
chronic  nasal  catarrh  or  nasal  gleet,  were,  in  many 
instances,  if  not  in  nearly  all,  cases  of  chronic 
glanders,  and  when  one  of  these  cases  of  nasal 
gleet  was  rounded  up  in  a  locality,  glanders  disap- 
peared in  that  neighborhood 

A  horse  with  a  chronic  discharge  from  the  nose 
as  the  result  of  a  decayed  tooth  may  sometimes  be 
mistaken  for  a  case  of  glanders,  and  also  a  horse 
with  distemper  or  strangles ;  but  the  latter  generally 
recovers  soon,  and  in  strangles  the  gland  under  the 
jaw  softens  and  breaks  and  discharges  while  in 
glanders  the  gland  remains  firm  and  hard  and  gen- 
erally not  sensitive  to  manipulation. 

There  is  a  disease  that  has  been  troublesome  m 
Pennsylvania  and  parts  of  Ohio  the  last  two  years 
called  suppurative  lymphangitis  or  epizootic  lym- 
phangitis, which  may  be  mistaken  for  farcy,  but 
animals  suffering  from  it  do  not  react  to  mallein, 
and  guinea  pigs  inoculated  with  the  discharges  do 


174  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

not  develop  glanders.  There  is  not  much  glanders 
in  the  Eastern  states,  except  in  the  cities,  and  the 
disease  is  not  of  a  great  deal  of  interest  to  farmers, 
except  to  avoid  purchasing  animals  with  it  at  some 
of  the  unreliable  sales  stables.  Where  a  case  oc- 
curs on  a  farm,  except  on  some  market  gardener's 
farm  near  a  city,  it  is  found,  as  a  rule,  that  the  horse 
was  purchased  at  some  unscrupulous  dealer's  stable 
in  the  city,  and,  in  some  instances,  other  horses  on 
the  farm  are  infected,  and  the  farmer  not  only  loses 
his  new  acquisition,  but  has  two  or  three  other 
horses  killed  besides  that  have  become  infected. 

Farmers  buying  new  horses  at  city  sales  stables 
ought  to  endeavor  to  deal  with  only  reputable  con- 
cerns, and  to  avoid  cheats.  It  is  well  to  remember 
that  a  person  cannot  get  something  for  nothing, 
and  it  is  not  likely  that  anyone  can  buy  a  horse  for 
$50  to  $75  because  it  is  afraid  of  elevated  railroad 
trains  that  would  otherwise  be  worth  $300  to  $500, 
or  because  a  widow  lady  wants  a  good  home  for  her 
late  husband's  old  pet.  Anyone  buying  horses 
from  a  fake  coal  company,  or  a  humbug  ice  com- 
pany, or  an  unknown  express  company  that  is  just 
going  out  of  business,  is  liable  to  invite  a  serious 
disease  to  his  farm. 

GRAVEL  OR  DIRT  IN  FOOT.— A  collec- 
tion of  pus,  or  other  fluid  containing  gravel  or 
dirt.  It  occurs  most  frequently  in  the  foot, 
and  is  associated  with  the  horse  and  mule 
almost  exclusively.  The  cause  may  be  from  a 
bruise,  but  more  frequently  it  is  due  to  a  punc- 
tured wound  of  the  foot  by  nail,  wire,  or  other 
pointed  object.  Nearly  always  there  will  be  dirt 
carried  into  the  wound  with  the  offending  object  or 
shortly  after  its  removal.  This  dirt,  infected  with 
germs,   sets   up  an   inflammation   of  the   sensitive 


DISEASES   OF    FARM    ANIMALS  I75 

structures  causing  more  or  less  lameness.  In  many- 
instances  the  nail  hole  becomes  closed  up  and  the 
collected  matter  may  have  to  seek  an  outlet  above 
the  hoof.  To  determine  the  trouble  a  very  careful 
examination  of  the  hoof  should  be  made,  looking 
for  any  opening  leading  into  the  foot,  often  detected 
by  discoloration  of  the  part,'  or  at  an  over-sensitive 
point  in  the  foot. 

Treatment  should  consist  in  making  or  enlarg- 
ing the  opening  at  a  dependent  part  of  the  hoof,  if 
possible,  so  that  all  secretion  formed  in  the  wound 
can  find  a  ready  escape  to  the  outside.  Without 
free  opening  there  is  danger  of  tetanus  (lockjaw) 
developing.  The  wound  should  be  thoroughly 
cleansed,  and  washed  with  some  mild  disinfectant, 
after  which  a  small  quantity  of  oil  of  turpentine 
should  be  injected,  and  the  wound  packed  with 
calomel  or  iodoform  and  covered  with  a  pledget 
of  cotton.  If  the  wound  is  very  deep  or  extensive 
it  may  be  beneficial,  after  thoroughly  cleansing  the 
foot,  to  apply  a  hot  bran  or  flaxseed  poultice.  Use 
poultice  for  several  days  and  change  daily. 

GREASE  HEEL.— A  form  of  eczema  that  at- 
tacks the  skin  of  the  heel  and  fetlock.  Sometimes 
the  disease  becomes  so  severe  as  to  crack  open,  from 
which  blood  oozes  out.  A  crust  forms  and  later 
on  becomes  painful  and  disagreeable.  To  remove 
the  scurvy  part  that  is  noticed  first,  apply  a  poul- 
tice, made  of  wheat  bran  or  linseed  meal.  Change 
the  poultices  two  or  three  times  during  the  day. 
After  removal  each  time  wash  with  warm  water,  in 
which  has  been  put  some  carbolic  acid  or  creolin,and 
then  apply  the  poultice  again.  After  the  poulticing 
is  ended  apply  a  salve  made  of  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
oxide  of  zinc  and  8  tablespoonfuls  of  vaseline.  If 
indigestion  seems  to  be  associated  in  any  way,  give 


176  THE   farmer's   veterinarian 

the  horse  a  dose  of  physic,  aloes  being  best  for  the 
purpose. 

GRUB  IN  THE  HEAD.— This  condition  is  the 
presence  of  the  larva  (worm  stage)  of  the  sheep  bot 
fly,  located  in  the  frontal  sinuses  (cavities)  of  the 
head.  The  trouble  is  confined  to  sheep  and  occa- 
sionally goats.  The  so-called  "  grub  "  of  the  horse 
is  found  in  its  stomach,  while  the  "  grub  "  of  cattle 
is  found  along  its  back  just  underneath  the  skin. 
The  adult  fly,  which  lays  the  living  "  sheep  grub," 
is  of  a  yellowish-gray  color,  slightly  larger  than  a 
house  fly.  During  the  warmer  part  of  the  summer 
days  the  fly  goes  about  depositing  its  young  in  the 
nose  of  the  sheep.  The  young  then  work  their  way 
upward  into  cavities  of  the  head  between  the  eyes, 
but  not  into  the  brain  cavity.  Here  they  attach 
themselves  to  the  lining,  remaining  when  un- 
molested for  some  ten  months,  then  lose  their  hold 
and  are  sneezed  out  to  the  ground.  Burrowing 
into  the  ground  they  enter  the  pupa  or  dormant 
stage,  when,  after  a  month  or  six  weeks,  they 
emerge  as  adult  flies  to  replenish  their  kind. 

When  few  grubs  are  in  the  head  little  trouble  may 
be  observed,  but  if  more  numerous  may  cause  free 
discharge  of  dirty  white  or  yellowish,  thick  fluid,  loss 
of  appetite,  frequent  coughing  and  sneezing,  tossing 
of  head  and  weakened  gait,  and  the  animal  may  be- 
come too  weak  to  rise,  and  finally  dies.  With  a  special 
instrument  (trephine)  bore  a  hole  into  the  cavity 
containing  grubs  and  remove  them  with  forceps. 
When  they  are  present  every  year  the  sheep  should 
be  protected  by  keeping  the  nose  smeared  with 
tar  during  summer  months.  This  can  be  done  by 
causing  sheep  to  lick  salt  from  holes  in  a  trough 
after  placing  tar  about  the  holes. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  1/7 

HAIR  BALLS. — True  hair  balls  are  seldom 
found  in  other  animals  than  cattle,  resulting  either 
from  licking  themselves  or  others;  but  different 
kinds  of  indigestible  balls  or  concretions  are  fre- 
quently found  in  cattle  and  other  animals,  particu- 
larly the  horse,  in  the  stomach  or  intestines.  Dust 
balls  are  occasionally  formed  when  animals  are  fed 
upon  mill  cleanings.  In  sections  where  crimson 
clover  is  fed,  and  frequently  in  over-ripe  condition 
in  large  quantities,  balls  are  formed  of  parts  of  the 
indigestible  heads.  Again,  calcareous  or  mineral 
matter  may  accumulate  about  an  indigestible  sub- 
stance as  a  nucleus.  These  are  not  well-defined, 
in  many  instances,  and  the  balls  are  often  present 
without  making  it  known.  So  long  as  they  do  not 
irritate  the  bowel  too  much,  or  do  not  occlude  the 
opening  from  one  portion  of  the  bowel  to  another, 
they  are  likely  to  escape  notice.  In  case  they  do 
obstruct  the  bowel  they  become  serious  obstacles, 
the  greater  number  of  these  cases  terminating  in 
death.  The  symptoms  then  become  those  of  colic 
from  obstruction.  In  many  cases  no  relief  can  ^be 
given,  but  attempts  should  be  made  to  cause  the 
obstruction  to  pass  by  giving  mild  purgatives  and 
copious  enemas. 

HEAVES.— The  term  "heaves"  is  used  to  de- 
scribe that  disease  of  the  horse  which  otherwise  is 
known  as  "  broken  wind,"  or  technically  as  "  emphy- 
sema of  the  lungs."  This  ailment,  which  is  incurable 
when  thoroughly  established  and  to  which  a  ten- 
dency is  inherited  by  the  offspring  of  an  affected 
sire  or  dam,  is  characterized  by  the  following  symp- 
toms :  Double,  bellows-like  action  of  the  abdom- 
inal muscles  in  breathing;  short,  suppressed  cough, 
usually  accompanied  by  passage  of  gas  from  the 
rectum;    gluttonous  appetite;    harsh,  staring  coat 


178  THE  FARMER'S  VETERINARIAN 

of  hair;  pot  belly;  weakness;  lack  of  endurance, 
sweating,  panting,  or  staggering  during  work; 
dilated  nostrils;  frequent  passage  of  gas  and  soft> 
foul-smelling  feces  when  starting  from  stable. 

The  disease  begins  with  indigestion,  affecting  in 
time  the  pneumo-gastric  nerve  of  the  stomach  and 
then  the  branch  nerves  running  to  the  lungs.  At 
first  the  air  tubules  and  vesicles  of  the  lungs  be- 
come dilated  (aneurism)  ;  later  they  may  break 
down  into  large  air  spaces  and  the  surrounding 
lung  tissues  become  involved  (interlobular  em- 
physema). Air  then  is  easily  inhaled,  but  is  ex- 
haled with  difficulty  and  the  effort  causes  cough 
and  expulsion  of  gas  (flatus). 

The  distress  may  be  relieved  by  treatment,  but 
perfect  recovery  is  impossible  when  the  lungs  have 
become  badly  affected.  Treat  by  substituting  wet 
oat  straw  for  hay  in  winter  and  grass  for  hay  in 
summer.  Allow  double  the  usual  rest  period  after 
a  meal.  Work  when  stomach  is  not  distended  with 
food.  Do  not  feed  hay  at  noon.  Use  lime  water 
to^wet  all  food.  Once  or  twice  a  week  give  raw 
linseed  oil  in  a  bran  mash  to  open  bowels.  Give 
half  an  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  night 
and  morning.     Do  not  breed  from  affected  horses. 

HEAT  EXHAUSTION  AND  SUNSTROKE.— 
The  horse  that  is  stricken  with  heat  exhaustion  or 
which  falls  from  heat,  apoplexy  or  "  sunstroke,"  is 
sick  or  out  of  sorts  at  the  time  of  attack ;  otherwise 
he  would  withstand  heat  and  work.  The  middle 
horse  of  a  three-horse  team  suffers  most  and  is  apt 
to  succumb  to  the  ill-effects  of  the  combined  radia- 
tion of  heat  from  his  mates  and  direct  rays  f  the 
sun.  Attacks  are  most  apt  to  happen  on  the  third  or 
fourth  day  of  a  spell  of  intensely  hot  weather  char- 
acterized by  mugginess,  electrical  storms  and  mois- 


DISEASES  OF   FARM   ANIMALS  1 79 

ture-saturated  air.  At  such  times  the  horse  that 
has  indigestion,  a  heavy,  unhealthy  coat  of  hair,  a 
skin  or  kidney  trouble  or  any  affection  of  the  brain 
or  heart  is  the  one  that  must  be  most  carefully 
watched  and  worked. 

With  the  hope  of  preventing  attacks  feed  light 
rations,  no  corn,  no  mashes,  no  ground  feed  other 
than  bran ;  avoid  green  grass,  unless  the  horses  are 
on  it  all  of  the  time ;  do  not  feed  hay  at  noon ;  allow 
cool,  pure  drinking  water  often  when  horses  are  at 
work;  keep  stables  clean,  darkened,  screened,  and 
ventilated;  shade  the  polls  of  the  horses'  heads 
during  work  time  and  in  such  a  way  that  air  passes 
freely  under  the  shading  device. 

In  sunstroke  the  horse  falls  and  soon  succumbs. 
In  heat  exhaustion  he  lags,  stops  sweating,  pants, 
staggers,  skin  is  dry,  nostrils  dilated,  membranes 
of  eyes  and  nostrils  red.  High  fever  is  present. 
Treat  by  keeping  cold,  wet  packs  to  the  poll  of 
head  or  letting  a  stream  of  cold  water  run  over  it. 
Shower  body  with  cold  water  from  a  sprinkling 
can.  Stand  horse  in  shady  place  under  a  tree 
where  air  passes.  Give  stimulants  freely  in  water 
as  a  drench  every  hour  at  first,  then  less  often  as 
symptoms  abate.  A  suitable  stimulant  is  whiskey 
in  half  pint  doses,  or  a  mixture  of  one  part  of 
aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  and  two  parts  each  of 
alcohol  and  sweet  spirits  of  niter.  Dose  is  two 
ounces  in  half  pint  water.  Do  not  bleed  horse  or 
give  aconite.  Give  half  ounce  doses  of  saltpeter  in 
water  twice  daily  as  horse  recovers.  Call  the 
veterinarian  in  sunstroke  cases. 

HERNIA. — A  protrusion  of  any  portion  of  the 
bowels  or  their  coverings  through  a  break  in  the 
walls  of  the  abdomen.  A  rupture,  for  that  is  the 
popular  term,  is  most  common  in  horses.     Often 


l80  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

at  birth  they  are  seen  near  the  navel.  These  dis- 
appear in  a  few  months  without  any  treatment 
being  required.  In  mature  horses  the  usual  causes 
are  blows,  kicks  or  some  violent  effort  that  tears 
the  muscular  structure. 

The  characteristic  symptom  is  the  bulging  out  of 
the  gut,  tumorlike;    and  this  often  can  be  slipped 


VENTRAL    HERNIA 

It  may  occur  In  any  part  of  the  abdomen  and  varies  In  size 
with  the  extent  of  the  rupture. 

back  where  it  belongs.  If  the  rent  be  not  closed, 
even  if  the  gut  is  returned,  the  least  bit  of  strain 
is  liable  to  force  it  out  again.  Some  kinds  of 
hernia  cause  immense  pain  and  the  animal  shows  it. 
In  treating,  work  the  gut  back  to  its  place.  This 
done,  place  a  pad — a  flat  piece  of  wood  or  leather 
will  do — over  the  wound  and  fasten  in  such  a  way 
as  to  keep  it  in  place.  This  should  be  worn  for  a 
month  until  recovery  is  complete.     Such  treatment 


t  *» 


TEXAS  FEVER 

The  annual  loss  to  the  South,  because  of  the  cattle  tick. 
extends  into  many  millions  of  dollars.  Investigations  show 
that  a  complete  extermination  can  be  effected  at  a  cost  of  $6 
per  farm. 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  XSl 

will  not  serve  in  all  cases  of  hernia.  An  operation 
may  be  necessary,  which  should  be  made  only  by  a 
skillful  veterinarian. 

HIDE-BOUND.— This  is  not  a  disease  at  all,  but 
an  indication  of  poor  health,  more  particularly  of 
poor  nutrition ;  usually  the  result  of  indigestion,  im^ 
proper  food,  worms  or  want  of  proper  exercise. 
The  skin  is  hard,  rough,  papery,  and  cannot  be 
picked  up  from  the  body  with  ease.  When  the 
attempt  is  made,  it  suggests  that  the  body  is  too 
large  for  the  skin.  Of  course  treatment  is  in  th^ 
nature  of  better  food,  that  proper  nourishment  may 
be  secured.  A  good  physic  will  be  proper  to  start 
with  and  then  follow  with  a  tonic,  easily  assimilable 
food  of  a  nature  that  will  properly  nourish  the 
body. 

HIGH  BLOWING— A  sound  produced  in  the 
act  of  breathing  while  the  air  is  being  expelled  from 
the  lungs  during  forced  respiration.  It  is  a  fluttering 
sort  of  a  sound.  When  horses  are  trotting  or  pac- 
ing the  sound  is  essentially  a  nasal  one,  and  is  not 
to  be  regarded  as  a  state  of  unsoundness.  It  is 
rather  a  measure  of  excitability,  and  associated  with 
horses  of  much  spirit  and  good  breeding. 

HIP  JOINT  LAMENESS.— A  disease  of  the  hip, 
caused  usually  by  some  injury  as  from  a  fall  or 
kick.  A  slight  swelling  is  observed  just  over  the 
hip,  and  lameness  when  the  animal  walks  or  trots. 
In  severe  cases,  the  horse  will  hop  and  catch  the 
lame  leg.  The  best  treatment  is  absolute  rest. 
Frequent  applications  of  hot  water  are  good.  After 
each  application  bathe  with  a  solution  made  of  4 
ounces  of  water,  2  ounces  of  tincture  of  opium,  2 
ounces  of  tincture  of  arnica  and  an  ounce  of  bella- 
donna.    If  the  lameness  continues,  use  a  blister 


1 82  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

made  of  2  teaspoonfuls  of  cantharides  and  4  table- 
spoonfuls  of  lard.  Allow  the  blister  to  remain  for 
an  entire  day,  then  wash  off  with  soap  and  water 
and  apply  lard  or  vaseline.  Repeat  in  a  couple  of 
weeks  if  necessary.  If  the  lameness  disappears, 
g-ive  the  horse  rest  for  several  weeks. 

HIPPED.— A  fracture  at  the  point  of  the  hip.  The 
most  common  cause  is  striking  the  point  of  the  hip 
against  a  door  post  or  pole.  Sometimes  a  kick  is 
responsible.  While  recovery  follows,  as  a  rule, 
from  the  very  nature  of  the  fracture,  there  is  no 
treatment  that  will  remedy  the  broken  point.  After 
the  soreness  has  passed  no  inconvenience  results; 
only  a  blemish  is  observed. 

HOG  CHOLERA.— The  term,  hog  cholera  has 
become  quite  ambiguous,  partly  on  account  of  new 
discoveries  concerning  the  cause  of  the  disease  and 
partly  on  account  of  what  have  been  supposed  to 
be  two  different  but  curiously  related  diseases 
being  generally  included  under  this  general  term. 
Until  within  a  year  or  two  we  have  supposed  that 
there  were  two  infectious  diseases  of  hogs  recog- 
nized under  the  general  terms  of  hog  cholera  and 
swine  plague.  It  now  seems  probable  that  we  will 
be  able  to  do  away  with  the  term  swine  plague 
entirely. 

The  disease  considered  here  answers  to  tne  fol- 
lowing requirements:  (a)  Infectious  by  associa- 
tion or  other  natural  exposure;  (b)  the  animal 
before  death  and  the  carcass  after  death  show  cer- 
tain accepted  symptoms  which  are  clearly  recog- 
nized as  pertaining  to  cholera;  (c)  the  blood  is 
virulent  and  capable  of  reproducing  the  disease  on 
inoculation  into  susceptible  hogs;  (d)  attack  and 
recovery  confer  immunity.  It  is  to  be  understood 
tfiat  we  might  easily  have  diseases  among  swine 


DISEASES  OF  FARM  ANIMALS  1^^ 

where  characteristic  "  a  "  or  even  "  ^  might  be 
present  and  yet  the  disease  be  not  true  hog  cholera. 
Until  within  recent  years  American  authorities, 
bacteriologists  and  veterinarians  alike,  have  very 
generally  accepted  a  certain  germ,  the  bacillus  of 
Salmon  and  Smith,  as  the  specific  cause  of  hog 
cholera  and  another  somewhat  similar  germ  as  the 
cause  of  what  was  supposed  to  be  a  distinct  but 


AN    ATTACK    OF   CHOLERA 

One  of  the  familiar  attitudes  assumed  when  the  hogr  is 
affected  with  cholera.  When  this  far  along,  hot  many  crises 
of  recovery  are  observed. 

curiously  related  disease — swine  plague.  But 
within  a  few  years  workers  in  the  Federal  bureau 
of  animal  industry  have  apparently  demonstrated 
that  hog  cholera  is  caused  by  a  living  germ  so  small 
that  it  passes  easily  through  germ  filters  which  re- 
move all  known  forms  of  the  bacillus  of  Salmon 
and  Smith. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  note  further  that  this 
new  germ  is  so  small  as  to  be  invisible  to  the 
highest  available  powers  of  the  best  microscope. 
.That  it  is  a  living  organism   and  not  a  chemical 


J$^  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

poison  may  be  very  easily  demonstrated.  The 
curious  relations  to  this  disease  of  the  old  bacilli 
of  hog  cholera  and  of  swine  plague  are  not  well 
understood,  but  it  seems  quite  possible  that  tliey 
may  play  some  part  in  the  later  development  of 
the  disease  after  the  disease  processes  have  been 
started  by  the  invisible  germ.  While  our  old 
theories  and  supposed  information  concerning  the 
cause  of  hog  cholera  have  been  very  much  dis- 
turbed by  newer  work,  it  is  important  to  remember 
that  hog  cholera  is  now  just  as  much  as  before  to 
be  recognized  as  a  distinctly  infectious  disease.  It 
is  important  to  remember  also  that  this  infection 
is  absolutely  necessary,  or  there  can  be  no  cholera 
no  matter  how  susceptible  animals  may  be. 
There  can  be  no  cholera  without  this  primary  and 
specific  cause  any  more  than  there  can  be  plants 
in  our  wheat  fields  without  the  previous  presence 
of  mustard  seed.  Conditions  of  soil  and  climate 
may  favor  a  rank  growth  of  mustard.  Conditions 
of  feed  and  keep  may  favor  the  development  and 
spread  of  hog  cholera.  They  may  decrease  resist- 
ance and  increase  susceptibility,  but  cannot  origi- 
nally cause  the  disease.  It  is  a  rather  common  ex- 
perience that  hogs  kept  closely  housed  and  fed, 
especially  with  such  foods  as  corn,  offer  less  resist- 
ance than  do  other  hogs.  In  our  vaccine  work  we 
frequently  find  hogs  of  this  type  which  die  readily 
under  inoculation  with  blood  of  low  grade  virulence. 
Hogs  of  hardier  type  may  become  slightly  sick  or 
not  sick  at  all  with  inoculation  from  the  same  in- 
fectious material.  Pampered  show  herds  appear 
especially  susceptible  to  both  natural  infection  and 
artificial  inoculation. 

The  farmer,  and  for  that  matter  the  public  in 
^ener^lj  should  bear  in  mind  that  the  cause  of  hog 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  185 

cholera  is  a  living  organism  capable  of  enormously 
rapid  self-multiplication — actual,  though  very  minute 
particles  of  matter.  This,  fully  understood,  makes  it 
apparent  that  infection  may  be  carried  in  any  way 
that  other  fine  particles  of  matter  may  be  carried. 
It  thus  becomes  very  apparent  that  the  infection 
may  be  carried  by  sick  hogs  or  upon  the  legs  and 
bodies  of  hogs  not  sick ;  it  may  be  carried  in  wagon 
boxes,  in  hog  racks,  in  stock  cars,  or  upon  shoes 
and  clothing  of  people.  It  is  very  evident  that  the 
infection  may  be  carried  down  stream,  especially 
in  small  creeks,  and  give  rise  to  other  outbreaks. 

So  far  as  the  sick  hog  is  concerned,  we  are  quite 
sure  that  the  blood  and  the  manure  are  thoroughly 
infectious  and  there  can  be  no  question  concerning 
the  infectiousness  of  fresh  carcasses  of  dead  hogs. 
Perhaps  we  should  say  first  of  all  that  we  rarely 
get  all  of  the  accepted  symptoms  of  hog  cholera 
plainly  shown  in  one  case.  It  is  important  to  bear 
in  mind  that  cases  vary  in  virulence  from  those  of 
very  chronic  type  where  hogs  live  for  weeks  and 
finally  die  or  recover,  to  very  acute  cases  where 
they  die  overnight. 

The  hog  coming  down  with  cholera  is  usually 
sluggish  at  first,  lying  around  in  the  shade  and  re- 
fusing feed.  The  hair  may  become  rough.  The 
eyes  early  show  symptoms  of  inflammation,  with  a 
sticky  discharge.  There  is  usually  a  suppressed 
cough.  The  gait  may  become  irregular  and  uncer- 
tain, especially  with  the  hind  legs.  After  these 
preliminary  symptoms  have  been  shown  for  a  time, 
the  skin  becomes  red,  changing  to  purple,  especially 
noticeable  in  white-haired  hogs.  The  hog  is  then 
usually  within  a  very  few  days  of  death. 

As  already  explained,  not  all  cases  are  typical. 
Sometimes  hogs  die  in  an  outbreak  of  cholera  from 


l86 


THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


undoubted  hog"  cholera,  and  yet  the  ante  mortem 
or  post  mortem  symptoms  show  very  little  upon 
which  to  base  a  diagnosis.  But  we  may  easily 
demonstrate  that  these  were  cases  of  cholera  by 

injecting  their 
blood  into  sus- 
ceptible hogs 
and  by  thus 
producing  typ- 
ical cholera. 

At  the  autopsy 
of  an  ordinary 
case  of  cholera 
the  first  and 
perhaps  the 
most  striking 
thing  seen  is  the 
purpling  of  the 
skin.  On  open- 
the  carcass  small 
blood  spots  may 
be  found  under 
the  skin  and  in 
the  fat  cut 
through.  The 
glands  along  the 
intestines  are 
intensely  in- 
flamed. The 
mucous  m  e  m- 
brane  of  the 
stomach  is  frequently  thickened  and  roughened 
and  in  chronic  cases  there  may  be  ulcers. 
On  openiMg  the  intestines  we  see  areas  here  and 
there  of  intense  inflammation  in  the  acute  cases  or 
numerous  ulcers  in  cases  of  more  chronic  type.     In 


THE  RESULT   OF  HOG  CHOLERA 

A  post  mortem  of  a  hog  dying  from 
cholera  wlU  show  ulcers  like  those  pic- 
tured here.  Look  for  them  in  the  large 
intestine. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  187 

very  acute  cases  we  find  areas  intensely  inflamed, 
even  bloody  in  places.  The  slow  chronic  cases 
develop  characteristic  hog  cholera  ulcers.  These 
may  appear  at  almost  any  point  on  the  lining  mem- 
brane, but  more  particularly  in  the  blind  pouch  and 
around  the  point  where  the  small  intestine  connects 
with  the  large  intestine.  On  stripping  off  a  very 
thin  transparent  membrane  covering  the  kidneys, 
a  typical  case  of  hog  cholera  will  usually  show 
minute  red  spots  on  the  surface  somewhat  resemb- 
ling the  covering  of  a  turkey  egg,  which  gives  the 
common  name  of  turkey  egg  kidney  of  hog  cholera. 

Preventing  the  Disease. — Clearly  there  are  cer- 
tain things  which  the  owner  of  healthy  hogs  in  a 
hog  cholera  district  should  do  and  a  good  many 
things  which  he  should  not  do.  The  same  is  equally 
true  for  the  man  who  has  sick  hogs  in  a  neighbor- 
hood where  there  are  uninfected  herds.  The  owner 
of  healthy  hogs  and  his  family  should  keep  away 
from  public  stock  yards,  from  all  pens  and  yards 
on  other  farms  whether  sickness  among  hogs  pre- 
vails or  not.  It  may  easily  occur  that  a  neighbor's 
hogs  may  appear  well  but  have  recently  received 
the  infection  and  be  already  capable  of  scattering 
the  disease.  We  do  not  know  at  what  period  in 
the  development  of  this  disease  infected  hogs  be- 
come capable  of  disseminating  hog  cholera. 

During  a  hog  cholera  season  the  owner  of  healthy 
hogs  should  institute  something  in  the  way  of  pri- 
vate quarantine  and  pleasantly,  perhaps,  but  firmly, 
ask  visitors,  especially  stock  buyers  and  threshing 
machine  crews,  to  keep  at  a  reasonable  distance 
from  the  pens  and  yards.  It  is  safer  for  one  man 
to  have  exclusive  care  of  healthy  hogs  during  the 
hog  cholera  season,  and  this  man  should  be  very 
careful  where  he  goes  with  reference  to  possible 


l88  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

infection.  Special  fencing  or  other  provisions 
should  be  made  wherever  practical  to  keep  dogs  out 
of  the  pens  and  yards,  for,  under  certain  conditions, 
dogs  become  verv  active  agents  in  spreading  the 
disease. 

The  owner  of  a  healthy  herd  should  be  very  care- 
ful about  buying  m  hogs  for  feeding  or  breeding 
purposes,  and,  in  the  Western  states  especially,  all 
public  stock  yards  and  stock  cars  must  be  regarded 
as  possible  sources  of  spread.  Hogs  coming  into 
the  herd  for  breedmg  purposes,  if  by  rail,  should  be 
shipped  in  other  than  stock  cars,  and  should  not  be 
unloaded  so  as  to  go  through  stock  yards.  All  new 
hogs  coming  on  to  a  farm  where  the  disease  has  not 
appeared,  should  be  kept  carefully  apart  from  the 
herd  for  from  two  to  three  weeks  after  arrival. 
The  disease  may  thus  have  time  to  develop,  if  the 
animals  have  been  infected  before  shipment  or  en 
route.  It  is  decidedly  worth  while  to  be  careful 
about  clean  feeding,  for  it  seems  probable  that  this 
is  a  common  method  by  which  infection  enters  the 
body.  This  being  the  case,  troughs  and  feeding 
floors  should  be  frequently  disinfected  with  steam, 
boiling  water,  or  a  very  dilute  corrosive  sublimate 
solution  (i:i,ooo  dissolved  in  water),  with  the 
troughs  subsequently  rinsed  out  with  plain  water. 
Or  the  troughs  and  feeding  floors  may  be  disin- 
fected with  any  of  the  coal  tar  disinfectants  if  they 
are  used  in  sufficient  strength.  These  are  not 
poisonous  in  any  probable  quantity  which  hogs 
would  get. 

A  Disastrous  Experience. — The  farmer  should  be 
especially  careful  about  buying  hogs  out  of  stock 
yards.  Some  years  ago  a  certain  Minnesota 
farmer  purchased  a  lot  of  feeders  from  Sioux  City 
and  took  them  home  to  his  farm.     In  about  two 


DISEASES  OF  FARM  ANIMALS  I89 

weeks  his  hogs  commenced  dying.  A  little  later 
hogs  previously  on  the  farm  began  dying.  In  a 
little  while  he  was  losing  hogs  at  the  rate  of  25  a 
day,  losing  a  total  of  about  200.  This  loss  of  200 
hogs  was  scarcely  a  drop  in  the  bucket — too  small 
for  consideration  in  comparison  with  the  loss  which 
this  outbreak  cost  the  state,  for,  with  some  others 
coming  into  the  state  from  Iowa  and  Nebraska, 
this  outbreak  cost  the  state,  as  carefully  estimated, 
about  $1,250,000  during  that  one  year.  As  soon 
as  the  Minnesota  farmer  here  referred  to  realized 
that  he  had  cholera  and  was  liable  to  lose  a  large 
portion  of  his  herd,  he  shipped  out  a  lot  of  fat  hogs 
ready  for  market.  These  were  yarded  for  a  time  in 
the  public  stock  yards  of  his  town,  and  one  of  them 
died  while  waiting  for  shipment.  This  hog  was 
left  for  a  day  or  so  in  the  yard.  Later  a  carload 
of  feeding  hogs  was  shipped  in  from  a  point  in 
South  Dakota,  where  they  had  never  had  hog 
cholera.  These  South  Dakota  hogs  were  unloaded 
into  the  yards  where  the  fat  hog  had  died  some 
time  before,  and  were  sold  out  from  there  by 
auction. 

It  was  a  very  interesting  study  to  follow  the 
resulting  outbreaks;  but  a  very  serious  matter  for 
the  owner  and  for  that  entire  portion  of  the  state. 
Practically  every  farmer  who  bought  hogs  at  this 
sale,  and  very  many  of  those  who  walked  around 
the  yards  looking  at  the  hogs,  but  without  buying, 
had  hog  cholera  on  their  farms  in  a  very  uniform 
period  after  the  sale.  Surely  the  moral  of  this  tale 
is  so  self-evident  as  to  need  no  further  suggestion. 

Cleaning  Up. — Troughs  and  feeding  floors,  at 
least,  and,  if  practicable,  the  hog  house  also,  should 
be  kept  clean  and  frequently  disinfected  during  an 
outbreak.     When  the  outbreak  appears  to  be  over, 


190  THE   FARMERS  VETERINARIAN 

the  owner  must  decide  as  to  just  what  he  will  do  in 
the  way  of  disinfection  and  cleaning  up,  or  whether 
he  will  stay  out  of  the  hog  business  for  a  year  and 
allow  the  infection  to  die  out.  This  is,  of  course, 
without  regard  for  the  possibility  of  putting  in 
vaccinated  and  immune  hogs.  Feeding  troughs  and 
feeding  floors  and  the  hog  house  in  general,  may  be 
disinfected  if  of  reasonably  good  construction,  by  a 
thorough  cleaning  and  then  by  one  of  the  methods 
suggested  under  prevention.  If  the  sick  hogs  have 
been  kept  in  an  old  straw  shed  or  in  an  old  hog 
house  that  is  about  ready  to  fall  down  anyway,  by 
all  means  the  best  method  of  disinfection  is  by 
burning.  Without  disinfection  or  burning  the 
owner  cannot  be  safe  in  putting  in  susceptible  hogs 
within  much  less  than  a  year  after  the  last  hog  died 
or  recovered.  The  slow  old  chronic  cases  that  go 
dragging  around  at  the  end  of  an  outbreak  should 
usually  be  killed  and  safely  buried,  for  it  is  rarely 
profitable  to  put  such  hogs  in  shape  for  market. 
It  might  possibly  be  worth  while  to  hold  such  a 
one  over  and  nurse  them  along,  in  case  of  valuable 
brood  sows,  for  hogs  having  recovered  from  cholera 
are  usually  immune  for  life. 

Brood  sows  which  have  had  the  disease  and  re- 
covered usually  give  something  more  than  natural 
immunity  to  their  offspring.  But  the  degree  of 
immunity  so  conferred  is  so  variable  in  degree  and 
uncertain  otherwise  that  it  cannot  be  depended 
upon  as  a  routine  method  of  establishing  immune 
herds.  Yards  may  be  practically  disinfected  by 
plowing  or  by  burning  off  a  good  layer  of  straw. 

Hog  Cholera  Vaccination. — Generally  stated,  this 
vaccine  consists  of  two  parts:  (a)  Blood  serum 
from  the  body  of  a  specially  immunized  hog;  and 
(b)  virulent  blood  serum  from  the  body  of  a  hog 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  191 

about  to  die  from  cholera.  The  general  theory 
upon  which  this  double  vaccine  is  used  is  that  of 
giving  the  animal  an  infectious  disease  and  at  the 
same  time  a  treatment  which  enables  the  animal  to 
resist  the  infection.  When  the  hog  is  through  with 
it  he  is  in  exactly  the  same  condition  as  though  he 
had  gone  through  a  natural  exposure  and  recovered. 

General  Method. — We  start  this  work  with  cer- 
tain hogs  that  are  immune  usually  because  they 
have  passed  through  an  outbreak.  It  has  been 
shown  that  when  such  immune  hogs  are  treated 
with  large  injections  of  virulent  blood  under  the 
skin  or  into  a  vein,  that  they  do  not  usually  become 
sick,  but  their  own  blood  develops  a  peculiar  prop- 
erty that  gives  protection  to  other  hogs  that  are 
naturally  susceptible. 

When  the  blood  or  rather  blood  serum  from  this 
specially  treated  immune  hog  is  injected  into  the 
bodies  of  healthy  susceptible  hogs,  the  latter  be- 
comes likewise  immune,  but  the  immunity  so  gained 
lasts  only  a  short  time,  possibly  four  to  six  weeks, 
and  is  then  gradually  lost.  If  we  give  a  small  in- 
jection of  virulent  blood  at  the  same  time,  or  soon 
after  the  immunizing  serum  is  given,  then  the 
treated  hog  becomes  immune  for  a  long  period,  per- 
haps for  life. 

The  Serum  Hog. — The  specially  immunized  hog 
which  produces  this  immunizing  serum  is  known  as 
a  hyperimmune,  and  to  save  words  will  be  hereafter 
mentioned  as  such.  The  simply  immune  hog  may 
be  prepared  for  producing  serum  in  either  one  of 
three  ways,  (i)  By  three  rapidly  increasing  doses 
of  virulent  blood  serum  injected  under  the  skin  at 
intervals  of  seven  to  ten  days;  (2)  by  one  enor- 
mously large  injection  of  virulent  serum  under  the 


193  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

skin;  (3)  by  injecting  virulent  blood  in  smaller 
doses  directly  into  the  blood  circulation. 

In  this  work  an  ordinary  immune  hog  weighing 
100  pounds  is  given  a  quart  of  very  viruient  blood. 
a  teaspoon  of  which  similarly  injected  would  kill 
a  hog  that  was  not  immune.  In  other  words  the 
immune,  and  especially  the  hyperimmune  hog,  have 
developed  certain  properties  in  their  blood  antago* 
nistic  to  hog  cholera  virus. 

Vaccination. — We  have  two  possible  methods  of 
vaccinating  or  immunizing  susceptible  hogs  (a) 
Serum  only.  This  is  by  the  injection  under  the 
skin  of  serum  from  the  body  of  a  hyperimmune  hog 
and  gives  immediate  but  temporary  immunity  last- 
ing, as  already  stated,  several  weeks.  If  this  animal, 
during  the  period  of  immunity,  is  exposed  to 
natural  infection,  he  becomes  protected  for  a  very 
long  period,  perhaps  for  life,  (b)  Simultaneous. 
The  second  method  of  vaccination  consists  of  in- 
jecting immunizing  blood  serum  into  one  thigh  and 
a  small  amount  of  disease-producing  serum  at  the 
same  time,  or  soon  after,  into  the  other  thigh,  thus 
giving  the  animal  the  cholera  and  a  cure  for  it  at 
the  same  time.  If  the  immunizing  serum  is  potent 
and  the  virulent  serum  is  really  virulent,  then  the 
animal   so  treated  becomes  permanently  immune. 

The  serum-only  method  is  usually  preferred  in 
actual  outbreaks  and  for  hogs  not  yet  sick,  because 
this  gives  immediate  protection,  and  the  hogs,  being 
naturally  exposed,  usually  develop  a  permanent  im- 
munity. The  simultaneous  method  of  vaccination 
is  preferred  where  we  are  very  confident  of  the 
serum's  potency  against  the  virulent  blood,  and  for 
hogs  that  have  not  yet  been  infected.  It  may  yet 
be  found  wise  to  use  this  method  even  in  out- 
breaks. 


DISEASES  OF   FARM   ANIMALS  I93 

Vaccination  Docs  Not  Spread  Cholera. — Every  in- 
telligent stockman  who  reads  this  will  probably  ask 
if  there  is  not  danger  of  scattering  cholera  by  this 
simultaneous  vaccination  into  districts  where  it 
has  not  yet  appeared.  A  considerable  amount  of 
direct  evidence  on  this  point  is  better  than  any 
amount  of  theorizing  and  personal  opinions.  This 
evidence  all  agrees  that  unless  the  vaccinated  hogs 
become  distinctly  sick  as  a  result  of  the  vaccina- 
tion (which  can  occur,  and  does  very  often),  that 
there  is  practically  no  danger  of  disseminating  the 
disease.  This  is  especially  true  since  all  hogs  on; 
the  farm  are  supposed  to  have  been  treated  and  are 
immune,  and,  therefore,  incapable  of  developing 
cholera  and  so  spreading  the  disease.  It  does  occur, 
even  with  good  serum,  perhaps,  that  an  occasional 
hog  may  become  a  little  sick,  and  very  rarely  even 
die,  as  a  result  of  vaccination.  But  with  good  serum 
given  in  standard  dose  and  virulent  blood  also  given 
in  proper  dose,  the  risk  of  this  is  so  small  that  it 
may  be  safely  disregarded  and  especially  when  all 
hogs  on  the  farm  or  that  may  be  exposed  with  such 
Bick  hogs  have  been  treated. 

HOLLOW  HORN.— A  common  term  to  denote  a 
diseased  condition  of  the  blood.  The  horn  is  not 
hollow  and  never  is.  The  old  quack  method  of 
boring  a  hole  in  the  horn  with  a  gimlet  and  squirt- 
ing turpentine  into  the  orifice  is  both  cruel  and 
ridiculous.  While  in  fact  the  temperature  of  the 
horn  is  low,  it  is  because  of  the  general  poverty 
of  the  blood  of  the  animal.  There  is  no  merit  in 
this  kind  of  treatment.  The  most  common  symp- 
toms are  general  debility,  scanty  flesh,  scurvy  coat 
and  coarse  hair.  The  appetite  is  also  irregular  and 
it  times  greedy.  Treatment  is  in  line  of  better 
food  and  general  improvement  of  the  system.    If 


J.g4  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

lice  are  found  on  the  body,  they  must  be  destroyed 
by  disinfectants  and  washes.  A  tonic,  consisting 
of  2  teaspoonfuls  of  sulphate  of  iron,  i  teaspoonful 
of  powdered  nux  vomica  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
ground  gentian  root  given  each  day  in  the  food 
or  as  a  drench,  will  be  very  helpful  in  toning  up  the 
system  and  in  enriching  the  blood.  The  most 
important  factor  of  the  treatment,  however,  is  in 
nutritious,  wholesome  food. 

HOOF  CRACKS— See  Sand  Cracks. 

HORN  FLY. — A  small  insect  about  half  as  large 
as  the  common  house  flies,  and  very  much  like  them 
in  appearance.  Horn  flies  swarm  about  the  head 
and  settle  near  the  base  of  the  horn,  where  they 
bite  and  cause  much  irritation.  They  also  attack 
cattle  on  the  back  and  sides  and  flank.  The  fly 
mixtures  that  are  commonly  advertised,  and  ap- 
plied by  means  of  a  hand-spray,  are  excellent  for 
keeping  the  pests  away.  A  good  home  mixture  to 
apply  at  the  base  of  the  horns  is  made  of  pine  tar, 
kerosene,  and  fish  oil.  Use  this  in  equal  parts,  and 
apply  with  a  brush. 

HOVEN.— See  Bloating  in  Cattle. 

HYDROCEPHALUS.— See  Water  in  the  Brain. 

HYDROPHOBIA,  also  called  rabies  and  mad 
dog,  is  an  infectious  disease  caused  by  some  invis- 
ible organism.  The  disease  is  transmitted  from  one 
animal  to  another  by  the  bite  of  an  animal  which  is 
suffering  with  the  disease  or  by  direct  inoculation. 
It  is  more  common  in  the  dog  than  any  other 
animal,  from  the  fact  that  dogs  run  at  large  and 
have  a  tendency  to  bite  other  dogs  with  which 
they  come  in  contact  while  they  are  suffering  with 
the  disease. 

The  dog  shows  two  forms,  furious  and  dumb.  In 
the   furious   form   the   animal   at  first  seeks   dark 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  I95 

places,  but  is  usually  restless  and  will  move  from 
one  place  to  another.  This  condition  lasts  for  a 
day  or  two,  after  which  time  he  becomes  more  rest- 
less and  may  go  30  miles  in  a  day.  He  will  drink 
water,  eat  sticks,  stones,  and  bite  other  dogs, 
horses,  and  cattle,  less  often  man.  This  condition 
will  last  from  one  to  four  days,  and  then  the  dog 
becomes  partly  paralyzed,  so  that  he  can  no  longer 
swallow,  or  his  legs  may  be  affected,  so  that  he  will 
lie  in  one  place,  and  usually  dies  after  a  few  days 
longer.  In  the  dumb  form,  the  animal  seeks  dark 
places,  is  rather  restless,  the  throat  and  lower  jaw 
become  paralyzed,  he  is  unable  to  swallow  or  to 
close  his  mouth  and,  therefore,  cannot  bite.  Some- 
times they  will  change  from  one  form  of  symptoms 
to  the  other. 

In  the  horse  the  symptoms  vary  somewhat  from 
those  in  the  dog.  The  horse  is  restless,  usually 
violent  and  will  kick  and  bite,  oftentimes  showing 
sexual  excitement.  He  may  break  his  teeth  on  the 
manger  and  oftentimes  bites  his  own  flesh  at  the 
place  where  he  has  been  bitten  by  the  dog.  The 
symptoms  usually  develop  in  from  eight  to  twenty- 
eight  days  after  the  animal  is  bitten,  but  may  not 
develop  for  six  months.  The  disease  runs  its  course 
in  from  two  to  ten  days,  with  a  fatal  termination. 

There  is  no  treatment  for  the  disease  after  the 
symptoms  have  developed.  In  case  man  is  bitten 
he  should  take  the  "  Pasteur  "  treatment,  which  is 
a  preventive,  and  it  should  be  taken  in  a  very 
short  time  after  being  bitten.  After  the  symptoms 
begin  to  show  it  is  too  late  to  take  treatment. 

HYDROTHORAX.— See  Water  in  the  Chest. 

IMPACTION  OF  RUMEN.— A  continued 
distention  of  the  rumen  caused  by  large  quan- 
tities    of    undigested     material     lodging     in     the 


196  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

rumen.  Inflammation  often  results,  with  dis- 
tress and  pain  manifest.  If  relief  is  not  at- 
tained the  walls  of  the  rumen  become  para- 
lyzed. Associated  with  the  disturbances  the  animal 
is  dull,  the  left  side  swollen,  the  breathing  and  pulse 
increase  and  the  back  aches.  When  lying  down, 
the  left  side  is  always  up.  In  treating,  cold  water 
dashed  over  the  back  and  loins  is  recommended.  A 
strong  physic  of  Epsom  salts  and  ginger  will  aid 
in  stimulating  the  secretions  and  may  bring  relief. 
If  gas  accumulates  so  as  to  threaten  the  life  of  the 
animal,  the  trocar  and  canula  should  be  used.  If 
these  are  not  available,  use  the  knife,  as  described 
for  hoven  or  bloat.  In  some  cases  the  impaction 
becomes  so  pronounced  as  to  resist  ordinary  treat- 
ment, when  extreme  measures  will  be  necessary  if 
the  animal  is  to  be  saved.  Better  call  your  veteri- 
narian and  open  the  rumen  in  order  to  remove  the 
contents  with  the  hand.  The  operation  is  as  ioU 
lows:  At  the  point  midway  between  the  point  of 
the  hip  and  the  last  rib,  and  down  about  four  inches 
from  the  backbone,  an  opening  is  made  large 
enough  to  admit  the  hand.  After  the  opening  is 
made  the  edges  are  stitched  to  prevent  any  material 
from  getting  between  the  skin  and  the  rumen  wall. 
Now  remove  the  greater  part  of  the  accumulated 
material;  this  done,  the  rumen,  the  muscles  and 
the  skin  are  each  in  turn  stitched,  the  wound 
dressed  and  the  animal  given  stimulating  medicines. 
A  splendid  tonic  consists  of  4  tablespoonfuls  each 
of  ginger,  tincture  of  gentian  and  tincture  of  iron. 
Give  this  tonic  daily  and  until  the  animal  has  fully 
recovered. 

INDIGESTION.— Failure  to  digest  food  with 
abdominal  pains  and  indisposition  resulting.  Bad 
food  and   improper  management  are  back  of  the 


DISEASES  OP  FARM   ANIMALS  I97 

trouble  in  most  instances.  Mild  cases  require  no 
treatment.  A  light,  laxative  diet  is  desirable  for  stub- 
born cases.  If  possible  turn  the  animals  on  fresh 
grass.  Jamaica  ginger  is  generally  prescribed  for 
indigestion.  Give  8  tablespoonfuls  in  a  pint  of 
warm  water  three  times  a  day  as  a  drench.  Follow 
this  with  condition  powders,  or  some  good  diges- 
tive tonic.  After  recovery  see  that  the  diet  is  varied 
and  that  laxative  and  succulent  foods  are  supplied. 

INFECTIOUS  PNEUMONIA.—As  the  name  in- 
dicates, this  is  an  mfectious  trouble  frequently  ex- 
tending over  considerable  areas  and  occurs  among 
both  horses  and  cattle.  It  is  very  similar  in  its  action 
to  ordinary  pneumonia  or  inflammation  of  the 
lungs.  However,  it  does  not  seem  to  be  so  acute 
in  its  action.  The  same  treatment  is  applied  to 
cases  of  this  kind  as  to  ordinary  pneumonia.  When 
its  presence  becomes  known,  it  is  wise  to  remove 
all  heathy  animals  to  some  other  quarters.  This 
lessens  the  danger  of  infection  to  healthy  animals. 
After  the  disease  has  run  its  course,  remove  all 
litter  and  manure  from  the  stables,  thoroughly  air 
out,  admit  as  much  sunlight  as  possible,  and  disin- 
fect all  walls  and  floors.  A  coat  of  whitewash  on 
the  ceiling  and  walls  is  desirable.  The  floors 
should  be  literally  wet  with  disinfectant  fluid,  which 
should  be  admitted  to  all  cracks  and  open  spaces. 

INFECTIOUS  ANEMIA  IN  HORSES.— See 
Swamp  Fever. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS— 
Sometimes  this  disease  is  called  enteritis.  It  fre- 
quently follows  severe  cases  of  colic.  It  is  the  result 
of  inflammation  caused  by  indigestible  material 
lodging  in  the  stomach  and  intestines  of  animals.  It 
may,  however,  result  from  other  things  that  irritate 
the  bowels.    When  first  noticed,  a  gfeneral  depression 


198  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

prevails,  with  signs  of  pain  in  the  bowels;  breath- 
ing is  quickened  and  frequently  a  chill  shows  itself. 
The  horse  acts  very  much  as  if  he  had  a  case  of 
colic.  As  the  disease  progresses  the  pain  increases 
and  the  pulse  rises.  In  a  few  hours  the  pain  be- 
comes very  severe  and  the  animal  is  in  great  agony 
all  over;  he  breathes  heavy,  the  legs  and  ears  are 
cold  and  clammy  and  the  pulse  very  high.  In 
severe  cases  the  pulse  reaches  to  100  and  105  beats 
a  minute.  The  horse  now  is  very  ill  indeed.  He 
shows  great  weakness.  It  is  very  unlikely  that  he 
will  survive  more  than  a  day  or  two.  The  disease 
usually  runs  from  ten  to  fifteen  hours,  and  unless 
there  is  a  change  for  the  better,  death  results. 

When  far  advanced  there  is  little  likelihood  of 
successful  treatment.  Success  lies  only  in  early 
work,  taking  the  disease  in  time.  A  satisfactory 
drench  is  made  of  4  tablespoonfuls  of  tincture  of 
laudanum,  10  to  15  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite,  I 
tablespoonful  of  common  soda,  and  i  tablespoonful 
of  ginger.  These  are  mixed  in  a  pint  of  warm  water 
and  given  as  a  drench.  Repeat  this  every  hour 
until  the  animal  gets  relief.  A  mustard  plaster 
gives  relief  when  applied  to  the  belly.  A  physic 
is  not  considered  advisable,  as  it  increases  the  in- 
flammation— ^just  what  is  not  wanted  at  all. 

The  most  rational  treatment  consists  in  allaying 
the  pain.  Opium  in  teaspoonful  doses  every  hour 
until  the  pain  is  relieved  is  helpful.  Some  veteri- 
nary practitioners  use  10  grains  of  morphia  and  4 
tablespoonfuls  of  chloral  hydrate  in  syrup  and 
water  for  each  dose.  This  dose  is  repeated  every 
two  or  three  hours  until  the  symptoms  abate. 

The  diet  should  be  carefully  watched  in  diseases 
of  this  kind.  Bran  mashes  made  with  linseed  tea 
or  slippery  elm  bark  are  suitable.     Boiled  food  is 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  I99 

better  than  uncooked  food.  Good  water  frequently 
and  in  small  quantities  is  desirable.  Skimmed  milk 
is  excellent  and  may  be  fed  for  a  week  or  two  at  a 
time.  This  food  often  effects  a  cure  without  any 
other  aid. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LUNGS— This  is 
a  common  disease  in  farm  stock.  The  disease  occurs 
most  frequently  in  late  fall  or  winter  or  early  spring, 
and  is  due  to  exposure  while  the  animal  is  still  warm 
and  hot;  bad  ventilation  influences  it.  Author- 
ities now  generally  believe  it  to  be  a  germ  disease 
and  infectious.  One  of  the  first  things  noticed  is 
the  shivering  of  the  animal  and  then  a  fevered  con- 
dition; the  animal  seems  to  be  hot,  then  cold;  a 
peculiar  breathing  is  noticed;  the  pulse  quickens, 
ranges  from  60  to  70  beats  a  minute;  the  eyelids 
on  the  inside  take  a  scarlet  hue.  The  animal  does 
not  eat,  stands  up  much  of  the  time  with  the  head 
down  and  the  ears  lopped  over ;  a  grating  sound  is 
noticed  when  the  ear  is  placed  to  the  chest.  Fre- 
quently distress  is  experienced  in  the  bowels ;  con- 
stipation follows  and  the  temperature  rises  gradu- 
ally until  it  reaches  105  degrees,  which  is  reached 
about  the  sixth  or  seventh  day.  If  recovery  does 
not  follow  the  appetite  will  disappear,  the  mouth 
become  cold,  the  breath  heavy  and  disagreeable 
and  the  pulse  feeble,  frequently  not  noticeable  at 
all. 

After  the  case  assumes  a  more  favorable  aspect, 
an  effort  should  be  made  to  keep  the  animal  com- 
fortable and  in  as  good  condition  as  possible.  It  is 
therefore  advisable  to  keep  it  well  blanketed,  the 
legs  bandaged  and  rubbed.  The  patient  should  be 
kept  also  in  a  warm  stall  where  good  air  is  avail- 
able. Good  food  that  is  nourishing  and  easily 
digested  should  be  provided.     Sweet  milk  is  good. 


k)d  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

and  raw  eggs  mixed  in  the  gruel  are  excellent  also. 
A  compress  over  the  lungs  does  much  good.  The 
compress  should  be  made  out  of  heavy  cloth,  fre- 
quently rinsed  in  cold  water  and  then  placed  over 
the  lungs  where  they  are  covered  with  heavy,  dry 
cloths.  On  recovery,  rub  the  sides  of  the  chest 
so  as  to  thoroughly  dry  the  surface.  A  mustard 
plaster,  after  the  compress  has  been  removed,  is 
quite  generally  used.  A  stimulating  medicine  may 
be  given  during  the  early  stages.  Use  a  drench, 
consisting  of  8  tablespoonfuls  of  whiskey  to  4  table- 
spoonfuls  of  sweet  spirits  of  niter.  If  the  animal 
is  in  very  great  distress,  give  a  drench  every  two 
or  three  hours  consisting  of  8  to  10  drops  of  Flem- 
ing's tincture  of  aconite,  2  tablespoonfuls  of  lau- 
danum mixed  with  a  pint  of  cold  water. 

After  the  animal  is  on  the  road  to  recovery,  stop 
the  use  of  these  medicines  and  give  a  tonic  consist- 
ing of  nitrate  of  potash  or  saltpeter  and  ground 
gentian  root,  half  and  half.  Give  a  teaspoonful 
three  times  a  day.  While  the  animal  is  sick,  a  little 
boiled  flaxseed  mixed  with  a  soft  food  will  keep  the 
bowels  regular.  It  is  not  wise  to  give  purgatives, 
hence  it  is  wise  to  give  an  injection  consisting  of 
warm  soapy  water,  so  as  to  empty  the  bowels.  From 
two  to  four  weeks  of  rest  and  care  should  be 
allowed  for  complete  recovery, 

INFLUENZA.— A  specific  disease  of  the  horse 
affecting  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  air  passages. 
When  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  eyelids  is  af- 
fected, pink  eye  results.  Sometimes  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  intestines  is  affected,  in  which 
case  colic  or  inflammation  of  the  bowels  results. 
The  common  cause  is  exposure  to  cold.  If  no  work 
be  required,  plenty  of  fresh  air  be  supplied,  no  drafts 
admitted  and  careful  nursing  otherwise,  the  disease 


DISEASES  OF  FAUM  ANIMALS  201 

will  run  its  course  in  from  two  to  three  weeks  and 
no  medicines  will  be  necessary.  In  cases  where 
considerable  cough  prevails,  the  custom  of  putting 
a  piece  of  camphor  about  the  size  of  an  egg  in  a 
pail  of  boiling  water  and  holding  the  horse's  head 
over  it  from  a  quarter  to  a  half  hour  at  a  time  is  to 
be  commended.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  free 
and  open.  Any  of  the  ordinary  purgatives  will  do. 
If  weakness  occurs,  give  4  tablespoonfuls  each  of 
tincture  of  ginger,  ground  gentian  root  and  sweet 
spirits  of  niter  in  a  half  pint  of  water  three  times  a 
day.  Two  tablespoonfuls  of  nitrate  of  potassium 
given  once  or  twice  each  day  in  the  drinking  water 
is  also  desirable.  As  the  trouble  abates,  the  med- 
icines suggested  before  may  be  dropped  and  in 
their  place  a  teaspoonful  of  sulphate  of  iron  and  a 
tablespoonful  of  ground  gentian  root  may  be  given 
daily  in  a  bran  mash  or  oatmeal  gruel. 

Intestinal  Worms  in  Horses. — Intestinal  worms 
may  be  classed  as  large  and  small.  The  large 
worms  inhabit  the  small  intestines,  and  the  small 
ones  the  large  intestines,  the  larger  class  of  worms 
being  more  readily  reached  by  worm  destroyers  than 
are  the  smaller  ones,  as  the  small  intestines  begin 
at  the  stomach  and  as  remedies  leave  the  stomach, 
the  worm  soon  receives  the  dose  prepared  for  it, 
while  if  one  dose  has  to  pass  through  about  60  feet 
of  intestines  before  reaching  the  smaller  worms  in 
the  larger  intestines,  much  of  the  worm  remedy  is 
lost  by  mingling  with  the  food,  and  diluted  by 
mixing  with  the  digestive  fluids.  Thus  what  is  a 
remedy  for  the  large  species  of  worms  will  have 
little  effect  upon  the  smaller  ones. 

As  a  farmer's  dose  for  the  larger  species  of 
worms,  none,  perhaps,  is  better  than  the  following: 
Oil  of  turpentine,  2  ounces;   extract  or  oil  of  male 


202  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

fern,  one  half  ounce,  mixed  with  4  ounces  of  castor 
oil  and  8  ounces  of  pure  raw  linseed  oil,  with  half  a 
pint  of  new  milk,  and  given  after  the  horse  has 
fasted  for  about  14  hours.  Repeat  the  dose  in  a 
week;  then  follow  with  two  worm  powders,  com- 
mon smoking  tobacco,  eight  ounces ;  powdered 
worm  seed,  6  ounces;  powdered  sulphate  of  iron, 
4  ounces ;  mix  with  one-half  pound  each  of  salt  and 
granulated  sugar.  Every  morning  before  the  horse 
is  fed  any  other  food,  place  a  heaping  tablespoon- 
ful  of  the  powder  in  four  quarts  of  wet  wheat  bran 
and  allow  the  horse  to  eat  it ;  continue  for  ten  days 
and  the  horse  will  be  practically  rid  of  worms  of  the 
larger  species.  Colts  should  receive  smaller  doses 
in  proportion  to  age. 

'The  small  worms  need  the  worm  powder  to  be 
given  in  the  wheat  bran  every  morning  for  fully 
two  weeks.  Then  follow  with  an  ounce  dose  of 
barbadoes  aloes  and  a  tablespoonful  of  ginger 
given  by  mixing  with  about  12  ounces  of  warm 
water  and  a  gill  of  common  molasses ;  wait  a  week 
and  repeat  the  powder  treatment  and  follow  with 
the  aloes.  In  a  case  of  the  very  small  or  rectal 
worms  (pin  worms)  always  use  rectal  injections,  a 
good  enema  being  made  by  steeping  for  two  hours 
one  pound  of  quassia  chips  in  a  gallon  of  soft 
water;  strain  and  add  two  ounces  of  common  har3 
soap;  use  the  whole  at  once,  using  at  about  blood 
temperature  after  the  soap  has  dissolved.  Repeat 
in  three  days  and  continue  as  long  as  worms  are 
being  brought  away  by  the  enemas. 

INTESTINAL  WORMS  IN  SHEER— See 
Stomach  and  Intestinal  Worms  in  Sheep. 

ITCH.— See  Scab  in  Cattl 

JAUNDICE. — Until  of  recent  date  the  disease  in 
the  human  so  common  at  certain  seasons  of  the 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  20$ 

year  was  unknown  among  animals,  or,  at  least, 
if  present  had  never  been  discovered  by  the  veteri- 
nary profession.  But  be  that  as  it  may,  we  are  now 
finding  it  in  plenty  among  horses  of  all  ages,  from 
colts  up  to  aged  horses;  very  prevalent  among 
sheep,  and  quite  frequent  among  cattle.  The  early 
writers  on  veterinary  science  usually  attributed  the 
cause  to  gall  stones.  But  that  theory  can  hardly  be 
tenable  in  this  country,  where  we  find  it  essentially 
more  prevalent  on  low,  marshy  soils  or  on  the  hill 
lands  that  have  been  long  unplowed,  where  animals 
are  pastured,  or  hays  are  cut.  The  general  symp- 
toms of  it  are  a  general  dullness,  hanging  of  the 
head  as  though  it  ached,  or  pressing  the  head,  if  the 
animal  be  a  bovine  or  sheep,  against  the  barn  or 
stall.  The  tongue  will  be  found  dry  or  covered 
with  a  thick,  sticky  slime.  The  membranes  of  the 
eyeball  of  a  yellowish  cast.  In  horses  the  tongue 
will  usually  have  a  black  coating.  The  appetite 
in  all  animals  is  capricious.  They  will  eat  well  one 
day  and  scarcely  touch  food  the  next.  As  a  rule, 
they  will  manifest  great  thirst,  yet  will  drink  but 
little.  There  are  exceptions  to  this,  however.  The 
voidings  are  not  uniform.  Sometime  the  urine  is 
quite  high  colored;  at  other  times  not.  But,  as  a 
rule,  it  is  scanty.  The  feces  are  sometimes  quite 
hard  and  covered  with  a  shiny  slime.  At  other 
times  there  will  be  extreme  looseness  of  the  evacu- 
ations. These  last  symptoms  are  to  be  well  con- 
sidered in  using  a  treatment  when  the  voidings  are 
hard  and  slimy.  In  case  it  is  a  horse  that  is  ailing, 
a  physic  of  aloes  should  be  given,  one  ounce  being 
the  dose  for  a  thousand  pounds  of  horse,  and  two 
teaspoonfuls  of  podophylin.  Give  this  dissolved  in 
water  and  pour  down  as  a  drench,  and  follow  with  a 
bitter  tonic  for  from  two  to  four  weeks,  or  until  the 


JQ4  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

voidings  are  normal  and  all  scurf  is  removed  from 
the  tongue.  As  a  tonic  for  this  none  is  better  than 
a  mixture  of  powdered  gentian  root,  six  ounces, 
powdered  golden  seal  2  ounces,  powdered  sulphate 
of  iron  4  ounces,  well  mixed  in  i  pound  of  common 
salt.  Give  in  the  feed  a  tablespoonful  in  ground 
oats  three  times  a  day,  until  improvement  takes 
place.  Then  drop  to  twice  a  day  and  later  once  a 
day.  In  case  of  the  bowels  being  very  loose  always 
give  a  pint  dose  of  a  mixture  of  castor  oil  4  ounces, 
pure  raw  linseed  oil  12  ounces.  Then  follow  with 
the  tonic  powder  named.  The  symptoms  in  cattle 
are  quite  similar  to  those  of  the  horse,  except  the 
bovine's  eyes  usually  discharge  some,  yet  not  pro- 
fusely, and  there  are  frequently  puffy  swellings  be- 
neath their  lower  jaws.  In  case  their  bowels  are 
abnormally  loose,  give  the  oil  as  for  the  horse.  If 
constipated  give  from  one  to  two  pounds  of 
Epsom  salts  at  one  dose  as  the  physic,  with  the 
podophylin  added  as  for  the  horse,  and  follow  with 
the  same  tonic  powder.  In  the  case  of  sheep,  which 
are  by  nature  constipated  animals,  nothing  equals 
a  ten-grain  dose  of  calomel,  followed  the  next  day 
with  a  four  or  six-ounce  dose  of  Epsom  salts  (sul- 
phate of  magnesia),  and  as  sheep  are  reluctant  to 
eat  any  tonics  in  their  feed,  we  are  compelled  to 
pour  their  medicine  down  them.  Mix  together  4 
ounces  each  of  the  tincture  of  gentian,  golden  seal, 
ginger  and  iron,  and  give  a  tablespoonful  twice  a 
day  in  a  half  pint  of  water.  But  always  give  the 
calomel,  as  it  will  clean  out  the  liver  of  a  sheep  as 
no  other  known  agent  will.  The  symptoms  are 
much  the  same  as  in  cattle.  Begin  treatment  early 
or  success  will  not  follow. 

KIDNEY  WORMS.— The  hog  is  mostly  affected 
with  these  worms,  although  they  have  been  found 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  205 

in  the  dog  also.  Death  does  not,  as  a  rule,  follow 
the  infestation  unless  in  an  aggravated  form. 
Obviously  there  is  no  remedy. 

KNEE  SPRUNG.—A  condition  m  which  the 
knees  bend  forward  as  the  result  of  contraction  of 
tendons  located  along  the  back  of  the  leg.  In 
aggravated   cases   the  tendons   should   be   cut.     If 


KIDNEY   WORMS    IN    THE    HOG 

While  worms  are  occasionally  found  In  the  kidneys,  they  do 
not   frequently    cause   disease   or   deatli. 

this  is  to  be  done  only  a  skilled  surgeon  should  be 
allowed  to  perform  the  operation. 

LAMINITIS.— See  Founder. 

LICE. — Farm  animals,  especially  those  housed  in 
stables  more  or  less  infested  with  insects  and 
vermin,  are  commonly  troubled  with  lice.  Animals 
in  good  health  resist  the  insects,  but  those  already 
in  a  non-thrifty  condition  do  not  fare  so  well.  Lice 
cause  a  good  deal  of  annoyance  to  farm  stock,  inas- 
much as  they  bite  the  skin,  suck  out  blood,  and 
thus  cause  considerable  irritation.     Lice  can  be  seen 


So6  THE    farmer's   VETERINARIAN 

with  the  naked  eye.  Infestation,  as  a  rule,  takes 
place  in  filthy  quarters,  and  the  best  means  of  dis- 
infecting such  places  is  by  the  use  of  a  spray  of 
kerosene.  One  of  the  best  means  of  applying  this 
to  hogs  consists  of  rubbing  posts,  which  are  con- 
stantly smeared  with  kerosene.  In  this  way  the 
hogs  are  induced  to  treat  themselves.  Infected 
hogs  may  also  be  treated  by  pouring  the  kerosene 
directly  over  the  infested  parts,  like  the  neck, 
shoulder  and  back.  Dipping  tanks  made  of  cement 
or  wood  are  frequently  located  in  the  run-yards,  in 
which  is  placed  some  disinfectant  fluid.  Hogs  use 
these  small  tanks  as  wallows,  and  in  this  way  they 
disinfect  themselves. 

For  horses  and  cattle  any  of  the  advertised  sheep 
and  cattle  dips  now  on  the  market  may  be  used. 
Directions  accompany  the  preparation  and  are  plain- 
ly printed  and  explained  on  the  containers  in  which 
these  products  are  sold.  It  is  always  advisable  to 
repeat  the  application  or  give  a  second  dipping  a 
week  or  ten  days  after  making  the  first  application. 
This  will  destroy  the  later  hatchings  of  the  eggs.  An- 
other good  remedy  is  made  of  boiling  stavesacre 
seeds,  i  part  to  20  parts  of  water,  for  an  hour 
and  let  it  simmer  for  another  hour ;  then  add 
water  to  make  it  up  to  the  original  bulk.  This 
applied  to  the  affected  parts  brings  quick  relief.  It 
is  advisable  to  repeat  the  application  in  a  week  or 
ten  days,  so  as  to  catch  any  new  lice  from  any  eggs 
that  were  not  caught  by  the  first  application.  A 
very  common  treatment  is  secured  by  mixing  a  pint 
of  linseed  oil,  8  tablespoon fuls  of  oil  of  tar  and  8 
tablespoonsfuls  of  sulphur.  This  is  then  rubbed  on 
the  affected  parts  once  a  day  for  two  days  and  al- 
lowed to  remain  for  a  few  days,  after  which  it  is 
washed  off  with  soap  and  water.     In  serious  cases, 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS 


207 


the  application  should  be  repeated  within  a  week 
or  so. 

LIVER  FLUKES.— These  are  parasites  usually 
found  in  the  liver  or  its  ducts.  At  times  they  are 
present  in  great  numbers,  giving  rise  to  a  serious 
disease  called  liver  rot.  When  the  fertilized  eggs  are 
discharged  in  the  excrement  of  diseased  animals  and 
fall  in  fresh  water  they  hatch  out  and  are  taken  into 
the  body  by  sheep  and  cattle,  either 
in  the  food  or  drink.  In  a  short  time 
thereafter  they  have  entrenched 
themselves  in  the  liver  of  cattle  or 
sheep. 

A  few  liver  flukes  in  an  animal 
causes  little  trouble,  as  the  injury  is 
largely  mechanical  anyway.  No 
peculiar  symptoms  are  conspicuous 
when  only  a  few  flukes  are  present. 
The  greatest  damage  is  done  when 
hundreds  of  flukes  develop  in  a  sin- 
gle individual.  In  these  cases  the 
flow  of  the  bile  is  checked.  As  a  re- 
sult the  health  becomes  impaired  and 
the  usual  penalties  of  malnutrition  follow.  Swell- 
ing of  the  jaws  and  diarrhoea  are  often  noticed  in 
connection  with  the  disease. 

When  the  host  is  badly  infected  with  the  flukes 
and  in  a  badly  run-down  condition  the  trouble  is  al- 
ways serious,  and  medicinal  treatment  is  of  little 
real  value.  Tonics  and  good  food  may  be  given  to 
help  along — but  death  usually  follows.  Salt  is 
helpful  as  the  flukes  are  sensitive  to  it.  If  an 
animal  that  has  succumbed  to  the  disease  be  ex- 
amined, the  liver  will  be  observed  to  be  fairly  rotten 
as  a  result  of  the  inroads  of  the  parasites. 


LIVER    FLUKE 


SoS  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

Treatment  is  in  line  of  prevention  only.  Clean, 
pure  fresh  water,  free  of  the  eggs  or  the  parasites, 
is  necessary  if  the  trouble  is  to  be  eradicated.  The 
old  ponds,  ordinarily  filled  with  stagnant  water, 
should  be  drained.  They  harbor  many  bad  para- 
sites, and  their  harm  is  far  beyond  their  value. 
When  water  for  sheep  and  cattle  is  taken  from  pure 
streams  or  wells  the  trouble  from  liver  flukes  and 
other  parasites  is  reduced  to  a  minimurr 

LOCKJAW. — This  disease,  very  frequently  called 
tetanus,  is  an  infectious  disease  in  which  the  body 
muscles  are  spasmodically  contracted  or  stiffened. 
The  muscles  that  move  the  jaw  are  frequently  af- 
fected and  the  animal  is  unable  to  open  the  mouth. 
Because  of  this  condition  the  disease  is  commonly 
kijown  as  lockjaw. 

The  spread  of  the  disease  does  not  occur  through 
healthy  animals  coming  in  contact  with  animals 
having  tetanus,  but  by  inoculation.  The  germ  of 
tetanus  is  present  in  the  soil,  manure  and  dust. 
It  enters  the  body  by  way  of  wounds,  especially 
punctured  and  bruised  wounds.  The  injury  may 
result  from  stepping  on  a  nail,  and  the  germs  are 
planted  in  the  deeper  structures  of  the  foot.  Such 
a  wound  usually  has  poor  drainage,  the  horn  of  the 
hoof  closing  the  mouth  or  opening.  Here  the  germs 
grow  and  produce  a  poisonous  toxin  that  is  said 
to  be  the  most  powerful  produced  by  any  bacteria. 
This  toxin  acts  on  the  nerve  centers  of  the  brain 
and  spinal  cord,  causing  extensive  spasmodic  con- 
traction of  the  body  muscles. 

Tetanus  sometimes  occurs  in  the  absence  of  any 
noticeable  wound.  It  may  be  in  such  cases  that 
the  seat  of  the  infection  is  a  slight  abrasion  of  the 
skin,  or  the  lining  membranes  of  the  respiratory 
and   digestive   tracts.     The   tetanus   bacillus   is   a 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  209 

slender,  spore-producing  bacterium.  The  spore  is 
located  at  one  end  of  the  rod  in  the  form  of  a  round 
head,  that  gives  the  organism  a  pin  shape,  hence 
the  name  of  pin  bacillus.  It  is  very  resistant  to 
outside  conditions  and  the  action  of  the  chemical 


LOCKJAW 
Note  the  rigid,  tense  position  of  the  muscles. 

disinfectants.  It  is  because  of  its  ability  to  resist 
the  action  of  disinfectants  and  the  fact  that  it 
develops  best  v^hen  protected  or  covered  by  the 
tissues  and  wound  secretions,  that  this  disease  so 
often  follows  ordinary  wound  treatment. 

From  a  few  days  to  several  weeks  may  lapse 
from  the  time  of  infection  with  the  germs  until  the 
development  of  the  stiffness  and  spasms.  Some- 
times the  wound  by  which  the  organism  has  en- 
tered the  tissues  has  healed  before  the  symptoms  of 
tetanus  are  manifested.  In  case  the  symptoms  de- 
velop a  few  days  after  the  inoculation  the  disease 


3IO  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

is  severe  or  acute  in  form,  and  less  violent  or  sub- 
acute if  the  symptoms  are  manifested  alter  the 
second  week.  The  above  statement  does  not  hold 
true  in  all  cases,  but  it  may  be  considered  true  in 
a  general  way. 

Of  the  domestic  animals  the  horse  is  the  most 
commonly  affected.  The  symptoms  shown  by  this 
animal  are  very  characteristic.  Any  person  that 
has  had  the  opportunity  to  see  and  examine  a  horse 
sufiFering  from  tetanus  should  have  no  trouble  in 
recognizing  the  disease  in  other  animals. 

The  Characteristic  Symptom  is  the  spasmodic 
contraction  of  the  muscles.  This  may  vary  in  the 
different  individuals,  depending  on  the  susceptibil- 
ity of  the  animal  and  the  quantity  of  poisonous 
tQxin  present  in  the  system.  There  is  at  first  a 
slight  stiffness  of  the  muscles  of  the  back,  neck, 
head,  and  limbs,  and  the  animal  is  more  nervous 
than  common.  A  noise  in  the  stable  or  a  slap  with 
the  hand  may  increase  the  stiffness  and  contractions 
temporarily.  The  contracted  condition  of  the 
muscles  of  the  eye,  are,  perhaps,  the  most  notice- 
able early  in  the  disease.  These  muscles  pull  the 
eyeball  backwards,  the  fatty  cushion  is  pressed  on 
and  the  third  eyelid  protrudes,  covering  at  times 
from  one-third  to  two-thirds  of  the  front  part  of 
the  eye.  In  the  severe  form  of  the  disease  the 
muscles  feel  hard,  especially  those  of  the  back  and 
neck,  and  the  animal  moves  with  difficulty.  In 
addition  to  the  muscular  symptoms,  the  respiration 
and  pulse  beats  are  quickened  and  the  body  tem- 
perature higher  than  normal.  The  evidence  of  suf- 
fering from  the  contracted  condition  of  the  muscles 
is  very  marked,  and,  unless  supported  in  some  way, 
the  animal  may  fall  to  the  floor.  If  the  symptoms 
develop    a    few    days    after    infection,    the    animal 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  211 

usually  dies.  The  acute  form  is  very  fatal,  but  in 
the  mild  or  subacute  form  the  chance  for  making  a 
recovery  is  good. 

Tetanus  Is  a  Preventable  Disease.     It  may  be 

largely  prevented  by  the  careful  disinfection  of 
wounds,  and  the  use  of  anti-tetanic  serum.  In  most 
localities  the  proper  treatment  of  the  wound  is  a 
sufficient  preventive  measure,  but  in  localities  and 
stables  where  the  disease  is  common  the  anti-tetanic 
serum  should  be  used.  Ordinary  cleansing  of  a 
wound,  as  practiced  by  most  stockmen,  is  not  suf- 
ficient to  destroy  the  bacillus  of  tetanus.  The 
wound  must  be  carefully  cleaned,  disinfected  and 
prepared  for  healing.  This  should  be  kept  in  mind 
when  treating  a  wound,  and  instead  of  using  an 
agent  that  we  know  little  about,  we  should  secure 
reliable  information  regarding  the  different  commer- 
cial disinfectants  and  methods  of  caring  for  wounds. 
That  class  known  as  tar  disinfectants  is  most  com- 
monly used.  The  better  grade  belonging  to  this 
class  should  be  used. 

If  anti-tetanic  serum  is  used,  it  should  be  injected 
as  soon  after  the  injury  has  occurred  as  possible. 
The  injection  is  made  hypodermically,  usually  be- 
neath the  skin  on  the  side  of  the  neck.  Large  doses 
of  anti-tetanic  serum  given  after  the  symptoms  have 
developed  may  assist  recovery.  However,  in  the 
severe  form  of  the  disease  this  treatment  is  uncer- 
tain. 

When  the  animal  comes  down  with  the  disease, 
it  should  be  made  as  comfortable  as  possible.  The 
quarters  should  be  roomy,  quiet,  clean,  and  well 
ventilated.  It  is  advisable  to  support  the  horse  with 
a  sling  imless  the  animal  is  worried  or  made  nerv- 
ous by  it.  This  prevents  his  becoming  tired  and 
falling  down.     We  should  give  the  animal  the  best 


219  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

of  care  in  the  way  of  regulating  the  diet,  etc.,  but 
should  avoid  annoying  it  by  our  attention.  Medici- 
nal treatment  is  of  little  benefit  and  should  be 
given  a  secondary  place.  In  fact,  dosing  the  animal 
with  medicine,  especially  if  large  doses  are  given, 
may  do  more  harm  than  good  in  the  treatment  ol 
this  disease. 

LOCO  DISEASE.— The  word  loco  is  a  Spanish 
word,  and  means  crazy.  Loco  disease  is  a  disease 
of  the  brain  and  nervous  system,  especially  of  horses 
and  cattle,  but  may  also  affect  other  animals.  It 
results  from  eating  any  one  of  a  number  of  poison- 
ous plants  called  loco  which  grow  upon  the  dry, 
sandy  prairies  of  some  parts  of  the  Western  United 
States. 

In  winter  and  early  spring,  when  there  is  little 
or  no  grass,  some  animals  acquire  an  appetite  for 
this  plant,  and  soon  refuse  all  other  kinds  of  food. 
When  addicted  to  the  weed  an  animal  loses  flesh 
rapidly,  the  eyesight  becomes  affected — often  it  has 
no  knowledge  of  distance — and  frequently  when 
made  to  step  over  a  board  or  rail  will  jump  over  it 
as  though  it  were  several  feet  high.  Later,  in  the 
course  of  the  disease,  the  brain  becomes  more 
affected  and  the  animal  acts  more  or  less  crazy,  at 
times  quite  violent,  at  others  depressed  and  dull. 

Should  the  animal  live  through  the  first  attack 
it  may  linger  for  months  or  even  years,  but  it 
usually  dies  as  a  result  of  the  attack.  Frequently 
some  peculiar  "  foolish  "  habit  follows  the  animals 
through  life.  Some  have  a  nervous  fit  when  excited 
or  warmed  up,  others  will  not  lead  and  some  you 
cannot  drive  at  all.  There  is  no  cure  for  the 
trouble.  All  that  can  be  done  is  to  prevent  the 
habit  fron;  being  formed  or  by  removing  the  animal 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  2I3 

from  temptation  and  furnishing  wholesome,  nutri- 
tious foo  ' 

LUMPY  JAW. — See  Actinomycosis. 

LUNGS,  CONGESTION  OF.— A  filling  of  the 
lungs  with  blood.  This  is  very  common  with 
horses  in  winter  and  is  most  frequently  due  to  a 
chill.  Animals  that  have  been  put  to  heavy  work, 
or  are  in  a  weakened  condition,  are  frequently  sus- 
ceptible if  left  standing  in  a  draft  while  still  warm. 
Sluggishness  is  noticed,  first  followed  by  trembling 
at  the  flank,  heavy  breathing;  the  pulse  will  be 
noted  as  quick,  but  weak;  a  gurgling  sound  will 
be  noted  if  the  ear  is  placed  against  the  chest.  The 
best  treatment  is  such  as  gives  quick  relief.  If  at 
work,  place  the  horse  at  rest  at  once  in  the  stable 
and  cover  with  blanket.  Have  plenty  of  fresh  air 
admitted,  but  do  not  allow  a  draft  to  blow  over  the 
patient.  Assist  circulation  as  much  as  possible  by 
rubbing  of  the  legs  and  apply  cold  pad  to  the  chest. 
A  mustard  plaster  applied  over  the  chest  is  very 
good.  A  good  drench  consists  of  alcohol  in  2 
ounce  doses,  well  diluted  in  water;  at  the  same 
time  another  drench  consisting  of  4  tablespoonfuls 
of  sweet  spirits  of  niter  and  2  tablespoonfuls  of 
laudanum,  mixed  with  a  pint  of  water,  is  also  very 
good.  If  the  conditions  indicate  that  the  lungs 
are  full  of  blood,  add  10  drops  of  Fleming's  tincture 
of  aconite  to  the  drench.  The  drenches  may  be 
given  two  or  three  hours  apart  until  relief  comes, 
at  which  time  quiet  is  advised,  although  a  little 
gentle  walking  for  exercise  is  advisable. 

From  this  time  on  treat  the  animal  as  a  patient, 
giving  easily  digested  foods.  A  tonic  consisting  of 
ground  gentian  root  and  nitrate  of  potash,  half  and 
half,  is  excellent.  Give  a  teaspoonful  of  this  in  the 
feed  three  times  a  day. 


j2I4  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

LUNG     FEVER.-— See     Inflammation     of     the 
Lungs. 
LUNG  WORMS  IN  LAMBS  AND  CALVES.— 

It  has  been  proven  in  years  gone  by  that  the  com- 
mon spirits  of  turpentine,  when  mixed  with  salt  in 
proportions  of  a  gill  of  turpentine  to  four  quarts  of 
common  fine  salt  and  placed  in  a  covered  box  so 
constructed  that  sheep  and  calves  can  get  their 
head  in  and  eat  the  salt  (yet  the  salt  be  protected 
from  the  weather),  will  practically  prevent  an  in- 
fection. Some  have  advised  the  mixing  of  a  half 
pint  of  sublimed  sulphur  with  the  salt  and  turpen- 
tine. There  can  be  no  objection  to  the  sulphur 
when  added  in  the  proportions  named.  This 
remedy  is  not  a  cure  but  a  preventive.  In  fact 
there  is  no  cure,  as  these  worms  are  in  the  bron- 
chial tubes  and  lungs,  where  no  worm  destroyer  can 
reach  them  directly.  But  when  the  lamb  or  calf 
daily  partakes  of  even  a  few  drops  of  turpentine, 
the  whole  system  becomes,  to  an  extent,  infected 
with  the  turpentine,  and  as  the  young  worms  come 
into  existence,  their  home  in  the  lungs  becomes  a 
very  unhealthy  home  for  them  and  they  fail  to 
mature.  In  some  cases  mature  worms  have  been 
removed  by  injecting  a  mixture  of  turpentine, 
chloroform  and  olive  oil  into  the  windpipe,  using 
about  a  teaspoonful  of  this  mixture.  Its  effect  is  to 
stupefy  the  worms  that  it  touches,  and  they  may 
be  coughed  out  by  the  suffering  lamb  or  calf.  The 
fumes  of  burning  sulphur  has  also  been  advised 
by  some  veterinarians.  But  both  remedies  are  as 
liable  to  kill  as  cure,  and  are  by  no  means  always 
successful.  The  farmer's  business  should  be  to 
prevent,  not  cure,  diseases  of  this  class;  therefore 
prepare  the  salt  box. 

LYMPHANGITIS.— An     inflammation    of     the 


DISEASES  OF  FARM  ANIMALS  il^ 

lymphatics,  usually  of  the  hind  legs.  Hence 
the  name  "  big  legs."  It  is  the  result  of 
too   rich   ieeding,   and   too   little   work   in    many 


LYMPHANGITIS  ^ 

This  kind  of  inflammation  is  usually  seen  1»  the  hind 
legs.  It  is  most  frequent  in  heavy  draft  horses,  or  In  coarse 
plethoric  individuals.  It  occurs  most  frequently  after  a  sl>ort 
period  of  idleness. 


ai6  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

cases  on  the  one  hand,  or  of  overwork  and 
insufficient  food  on  the  other.  Lymphangitis  often 
follows  other  diseases  like  distemper,  influenza,  or 
pneumonia,  in  which  cases  the  system  is  weakened 
and  the  lymphatics  in  abnormal  condition.  It  shows 
itself  after  a  short  period  of  idleness  and  rest.  It 
usually  begins  with  a  chill  and  a  rise  of  tempera- 
ture, which  may  be  as  much  as  105  degrees,  de- 
pending on  the  intensity  of  the  attack.  One  or 
both  hind  legs  may  show  swelling  and  be  so  stiff 
and  sore  after  standing  during  the  night  as  to  be 
moved  only  with  difficulty  when  the  horse  is  taken 
out  of  the  stable  in  the  morning.  The  horse  in 
moving  seems  able  to  bear  little  or  no  weight  on 
the  affected  leg.  At  the  same  time,  the  pulse  is 
full  and  throbby,  respiration  is  fast,  the  bowels  are 
constipated  and  the  appetite  is  lost. 

In  some  cases  the  legs  swell  to  an  enormous  size. 
If  the  inflammation  is  not  relieved  in  a  few  days, 
the  glands  get  badly  diseased  and  blood  poison  may 
result.  The  disease,  however,  if  taken  in  time,  is 
easily  treated.  If  it  is  caused  by  overfeeding,  change 
this ;  give  more  exercise.  When  the  disease  is  first 
noticed,  give  the  horse  4  tablespoonfuls  of  aloes,  4 
tablespoonfuls  of  carbonate  of  soda  and  4  table- 
spoonfuls  of  ginger.  These  should  be  dissolved  in 
a  half  pint  of  boiling  water,  then  mixed  with  a  half 
pint  of  cold  water,  and  then  given  as  a  drench.  If 
the  pulse  is  fast,  it  may  be  made  easier  and  slower 
by  giving  20  to  30  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite, 
every  couple  of  hours.  A  couple  of  tablespoonfuls 
of  nitrate  of  potash  in  the  drinking  water  three 
times  a  day  will  increase  the  urine.  This  is  desir- 
able to  do  in  this  disease.  The  leg  should  be 
bathed  for  at  least  a  half  an  hour  and  then  dried 
and  a  wash  consisting  of  2  tablespoonfuls  of  acetate 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  21/ 

of  lead,  8  tablespoonfuls  of  tincture  of  opium,  and 
a  quart  of  water  should  be  applied  to  the  legs.  This 
should  be  rubbed  in  well  with  the  hand  every  hour. 
In  from  20  to  30  hours,  a  great  change  for  the  bet- 
ter will  be  noticed  the  inflammation  will  have  been 
reduced;  the  pain  will  have  disappeared  and  the 
bowels  will  be  loose  and  active. 

From  now  on  give  general  exercise  at  frequent 
periods,  during  the  day.  In  cases  caused  by  over- 
work or  too  little  food  or  those  following  debilitat- 
ing diseases,  like  influenza  or  distemper,  the  treat- 
ment should  be  more  stimulating;  therefore,  nutri- 
tive foods  and  tonics  are  best.  Good  hay  and  oats 
and  other  feed  of  a  laxative  nature  should  be  fur- 
nished. 

A  preparation,  consisting  of  4  tablespoonfuls, 
each,  of  tincture  chloride  of  iron,  tincture  of  gen- 
tian, and  ginger  in  a  pint  of  water  three  times  a  day 
will  be  found  both  stimulating  and  nourishing.  If 
the  disease  has  progressed  so  far  that  the  legs 
break  and  show  that  matter  is  formed,  wash  them 
with  warm  water  and  follow  with  acetate  of  lead, 
sulphate  of  iron  and  carbolic  acid.  Use  2  table- 
spoonfuls of  each  in  a  quart  of  water  and  apply 
twice  each  day.  If  the  swelling  hangs  on  use 
Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic,  4  tablespoonfuls  to  a 
dose  in  a  bran  mash  once  a  day.  Continue  this  for 
four  or  five  weeks.  A  salve  made  of  2  teaspoon- 
fuls  of  iodide  and  8  tablespoonfuls  of  vaseline  should 
also  be  rubbed  on  the  leg  twice  a  week. 

MAD  DOG.— See  Hydrophobia. 

MAGGOTS.— The  grubs  of  the  ordinary  flesh- 
flies  so  common  about  stables  and  houses.  The 
adult  fly  deposits  the  minute  larvae  in  fresh  meat, 
in  wounds,  and  frequently  in  dirty  wool.  These 
become  the  maggots  so  well  known  about  the  farm. 


2l8  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

The  distress  caused  by  these  when  present  in  a 
wound  is  considerable,  and  they  endanger  life. 

The  best  treatment  is  in  line  of  cleanliness.  Keep 
old  wounds  clean  by  means  of  antiseptic  washes 
and  tag  the  sheep  that  no  filth  and  dirt  may  ac- 
cumulate. If  for  any  reason  maggots  are  found, 
open  the  infected  part  and  remove,  if  possible,  both 
the  maggots  and  sloughed  tissue.  Old  sores  or 
wounds,  if  they  will  not  lend  themselves  to  com- 
plete removal  of  the  maggots,  should  be  treated 
with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid  and  water.  On 
some,  turpentine  can  be  used.  Chloroform  may  be 
sprayed  on,  or  injected  into  the  wound  with  almost 
instant  results.  After  the  maggots  are  destroyed 
follow  up  the  treatment  with  a  good  disinfectant 
until  the  wound  has  healed. 

MALLENDERS. — An  eruption  of  the  skin  above 
the  feet  in  horses.  The  disease  at  first  is  very  much 
like  eczema.  In  time  the  watery  fluid  dries  up  and 
the  sore  parts  become  covered  with  hard  crusts 
and  scabs.  The  sore  spots  should  be  washed  with 
some  good  disinfectant  and  repeated  frequently 
enough  to  destroy  the  infection.  A  moderate  purge 
is  advisable.  See  that  only  wholesome  food  is  pro- 
vided. 

MAMMITIS. — Inflammation  of  the  mammary 
gland  or  udder.  The  disease  is  frequently  called 
caked  bag  and  garget.  In  the  last  named,  the  milk 
secretion  is  altered  and  appears  as  a  thick  or  a 
stringy  fluid.  Heavy  milkers  are  most  commonly 
affected.  The  udder  becomes  swollen,  hot  and 
somewhat  tender  just  before  calving.  The  swelling 
may  extend  forward  along  the  belly.  It  often  gets 
so  severe  as  to  require  treatment.  It  is  in  this 
sense  physiological.  In  a  few  days  after  calving, 
as  a  rule,  the  swelling  disappears  and  the  normal 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  219 

condition  is  regained  more  quickly  if  the  calf  is 
allowed  to  suck  the  cow.  In  the  first  stages  bloody 
milk  is  secreted  and  often  pus  is  formed  in  one 
quarter  or  more  of  the  udder.  The  udder  should 
be  carefully  milked,  cleaned,  and,  if  the  milk  ducts 
are  closed,  it  may  be  necessary  to  use  a  milk  tube. 
This  should  be  used  cautiously  so  as  not  to  injure 
the  tissue  of  the  udder  and  should  be  perfectly 
clean  before  inserting,  otherwise  serious  inflam- 
mation may  result.  In  bathing,  use  hot  water  for 
15  to  20  minutes  at  a  time,  after  which  rub  dry  and 
apply  an  ointment  made  by  dissolving  3  tablespoon- 
fuls  of  gum  camphor  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  fluid 
extract  of  belladonna  to  a  pint  of  clean,  fresh  lard. 
This  ointment  should  be  applied  three  times  a  day. 

A  more  serious  form  of  the  disease  is  known  as 
contagious  mammitis,  and  is  due  to  invasion  of  the 
gland  by  bacteria.  In  cases  of  this  kind  the  in- 
flammation is  more  extensive  and  the  disorder  calls 
for  more  careful  treatment.  Since  the  milk  con- 
tains bad  bacteria,  it  is  necessary  to  destroy  them 
so  as  to  prevent  spreading  of  the  disease.  The 
milker  should  have  clean  hands  and  should  wash 
them  in  a  disinfecting  solution  before  milking  an- 
other cow.  The  milk  tube  may  be  necessary  in 
withdrawing  the  milk.  After  the  milk  has  been 
removed  from  the  udder,  inject  a  solution  of  per- 
oxide of  hydrogen  or  dioxygen  or  a  solution  of 
carbolic  acid,  i  part  to  50  parts  of  boiled  water. 
After  the  solution  has  acted  for  a  few  minutes,  it 
should  be  milked  out.  The  external  treatment  for 
contagious  mammitis  should  be  similar  to  that  of 
ordinary  mammitis. 

MANGE.— See  Scab  in  Cattle. 

MILK  FEVER.—It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  this 
disease    occurs    most    commonly    in    cows    which 


220  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

calved  easily.  This  is  explained  by  the  fact  that  in 
such  cases  the  os  uteri  remains  relaxed  for  a  greater 
length  of  time  than  it  does  in  cases  of  difficult  par- 
turition. Milk  fever  generally  occurs  in  cows 
which  are  heavy  milkers,  and  great  eaters.  Keep- 
ing the  animals  in  permanent  stables,  and  feeding 
large  quantities  of  rich  food  while  they  are  giving 
no  milk  are  predisposing  causes. 

The  disease  makes  its  appearance  usually  in  from 
24  to  48  hours  after  parturition.  It  seldom  occurs 
after  the  third  day,  and  some  authors  state  that  it 
has  never  been  recognized  before  the  starting  of  the 
milk  secretion.  The  most  salient  symptoms  to  the 
average  layman  would,  perhaps,  be  the  anxious  ex- 
pression of  the  animal,  bellowing  and  mounting  into 
the  manger.  Later  they  become  very  weak,  stag- 
ger and  fall,  and  are  unable  to  rise.  The  members 
are  usually  extended  in  a  rigid  position.  A  rattling 
or  whistling  noise  is  heard  in  case  the  larynx  is 
paralyzed.  The  feet,  ears  and  horns  feel  cold  to  the 
touch.  When  a  case  is  going  to  recover  we  see 
improvement  as  early  as  the  second  or  third  day. 
Recovery  is  usually  complete  at  the  end  of  from 
two  to  five  days. 

Milk  fever  is  one  of  the  cases  where  the  old 
maxim,  an  ounce  of  prevention  is  worth  a  pound 
of  cure,  is  doubly  applicable.  If  proper  precautions 
were  taken  a  large  number  of  cases  could  be  pre- 
vented. Give  the  pregnant  animals  daily  exercise, 
and  decrease  their  allowance  of  food 

Treatment  Very  Simple. — Make  the  cow  comfort- 
able. Now  give  her  a  small  dose  of  Epsom  salts 
from  one-half  to  one  pound,  depending  on  her  size. 
This  should  be  given  as  a  drench.  Animals  af- 
flicted with  this  ailment  swallow  with  difficulty.  Use 
care  that  the  drench  does  not  get  into  the  lungs. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  221! 

Perhaps  the  most  satisfactory  medical  treatment  is 
to  use  what  is  known  as  the  Schmidt  treatment. 
This  is  nothing  more  than  injecting  into  the  udder 
a  solution  made  by  dissolving  in  one  quart  of  clean 
boiled  water  3  teaspoonfuls  of  iodide  of  potash, 
after  stripping  all  milk  from  the  udder.  A  very 
satisfactory  way  is  to  get  a  rubber  tube,  attach  it 
to  a  common  milking  tube  which  is  placed  into  the 
teats  in  turn  and  pour  the  solution  into  the  tube 
by  means  of  a  funnel.  By  massaging  the  udder 
the  solution  can  be  worked  into  each  quarter  in  a 
short  time  without  difHculty. 

In  case  iodide  of  potash  is  not  available,  inject 
air  into  the  udder  after  drawing  out  the  milk.  I 
have  known  of  many  cases  where  air  has  been  forced 
into  the  udder  by  means  of  a  bicycle  pump,  and  the 
animal  recovered  in  a  very  short  time.  If  the  dis- 
ease does  not  respond  to  the  treatment  with  readi- 
ness, repeat  in  a  few  hours,  say,  anywhere  from 
five  to  ten  hours  after.  Cold  water  or  ice  on  the 
head  is  advisable.  The  use  of  stimulants  is  also 
recommended.  Whiskey  can  be  given  in  doses  of 
ID  to  15  tablespoonfuls  and  Jamaica  ginger  6  to  8 
tablespoonfuls.  Milk  the  cow  frequently  and  mas- 
sage the  udder,  bathing  in  hot  water. 

After  the  cow  is  on  the  way  to  recovery,  witK-  ' 
hold  milk-stimulating  foods  for  a  few  days  and  give 
some  tonic  like  gentian  and  nux  vomica,  half  and 
half,  2  or  3  tablespoonfuls  two  or  three  times  a  day, 

MONDAY  MORNING  SICKNESS.—See  Azo- 
turia. 

NASAL  GLEET.— When  a  cold  or  simple 
catarrh  is  neglected  it  may  run  into  a  chronic  con- 
dition giving  rise  to  nasal  gleet.  A  thin,  bluish  dis- 
charge comes  from  the  nose ;  and  the  membranes 
of  the  nostrils,  instead  of  being  moist  and  pink  in 


222  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

color,  take  on  a  leaden  hue.  The  coat  at  the  same 
time  shows  unthriftiness.  In  such  cases  the  face 
and  head  may  swell  because  the  accumulated  ma- 
terials fail  to  pass  out.  When  these  bunches  are 
tapped  with  the  fingers,  a  dull  sound  is  heard. 
Treatment  consists  of  isolating  the  animals  and  giv- 
ing them  good  care,  nutritious  food  and  well-ven- 
tilated quarters.  A  bucket,  filled  with  boiling 
water,  in  which  a  half  cup  of  turpentine  is  placed, 
and  held  under  the  nose  to  steam  the  nostrils  and 
face,  is  excellent.  Any  sort  of  blanketing  tkat  will 
hold  the  steam  about  the  head  is  very  good  to 
have  at  hand  at  the  time.  For  internal  treatment 
give  a  teaspoonful  of  sulphate  of  copper  three  times 
daily  in  a  small  bran  mash ;  following  this  drop  the 
copper  sulphate  and  give  2  tablespoonfuls  of 
Fowler's  solution  of  arnica  twice  a  day  in  the  mash. 
Should  the  bulges  on  the  face  become  large,  it  will 
be  necessary  to  open  them.  Often  a  part  of  the 
bone  requires  sawing  out  to  get  effective  results. 
In  these  severe  cases  it  is  best  to  have  your  veteri- 
narian make  the  operation. 

NAVICULAR  DISEASE.— A  disease  of  the 
navicular  bone  and  the  structures  surrounding  it. 
It  is  called  "  coffin  joint  lameness."  This  bone  is 
situated  at  the  back  and  inferior  part  of  the  coffin 
joint,  and  acts  as  a  pulley  over  which  the  flexor 
tendon  of  the  foot  passes.  Horses  with  upright 
pasterns  are  most  liable  to  it,  as  more  weight  is 
thrown  on  this  joint.  Those  shod  with  calkins  on 
their  shoes,  which  prevent  the  frog  from  coming 
in  contact  with  the  ground,  therefore  causing  a 
shock  to  this  joint,  are  also  very  liable  to  it.  Some 
horses  have  hereditary  tendency  to  this  disease. 
Nails  penetrating  too  deep  through  the  sole,  or 
anything  that  will  cause  inflammation  of  this  joint. 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  223 

is  likely  to  produce  navicular  disease.  The  most 
prolific  cause  is  bad  shoeing.  By  degrees  the  in- 
flammation in  a  chronic  form  extends  to  other 
parts,  causing  a  shrinking  of  the  soft  parts,  result- 
ing in  contraction  of  the  foot. 

The  lameness  may  appear  suddenly  and  perhaps 
immediately  after  the  horse  has  been  shod,  and  is 
then  usually  thought  to  be  the  fault  of  nailing  on 
the  shoe.  It  is  likely  in  this  case  that  the  smith 
has  pared  the  sole  and  frog  too  thin,  and  that  the 
part  has  suffered  from  a  bruise  by  the  horse  step- 
ping on  something  hard.  After  a  rest  it  may  dis- 
appear, to  return  after  the  next  drive.  Sometimes 
the  disease  is  of  very  slow  progress  in  one  or  both 
fore  feet.  The  first  thing  that  is  noticed  is  that  the 
animal  points  its  toe,  and  if  both  are  affected,  first 
one,  then  the  other.  The  animal  may  not  be  lame, 
but  it  does  not  step  out  so  well  as  it  used  to,  and 
by  degrees  the  part  gets  more  tender,  until  the 
animal  begins  to  go  lame,  and  the  lameness  gradu- 
ally gets  worse.  There  is  a  form  of  this  lameness 
where  the  animal  shows  stiffness  and  lameness 
wheft  first  taken  out  of  the  stable,  but,  after  being 
driven  for  a  short  distance,  it  passes  off,  and  after 
it  stands  for  awhile  it  will  start  off  lame  again.  If 
this  disease  lasts  for  some  time  the  muscles  of  the 
chest  and  shoulders  seem  stiff  and  may  shrink.  This 
has  been  called  "  chest  founder "  by  horsemen. 
This  is  brought  about  by  the  soreness  of  the  feet. 
The  horse  is  afraid  to  step  out,  giving  it  the  ap- 
pearance of  being  stiff;  the  muscles  of  the  chest 
and  shoulders  will  shrink  from  want  of  proper 
action,  caused  by  the  feet  being  sore.  If  there  is 
heat  and  tenderness  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  or  a 
redness  of  the  sole,  and  an  absence  of  any  other 
disease  of  the  foot  or  leg,  we  may  consider  with 


224  THE    FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN" 

almost  a  certainty  that  it  is  a  case  of  navicular  or 
coffin  joint  lameness.  The  result  is  contraction  of 
the  foot. 

Take  off  the  shoes,  so  that  the  frog  will  rest  on 
the  ground,  then  poultice  the  feet  with  bran,  made 
up  with  cold  water  if  it  is  a  recent  case,  but  if  it  is 
of  some  months'  standing  hot  water  is  better  than 
cold;  put  the  poultices  into  bags  made  a  little 
larger  than  the  foot ;  put  about  two  inches  deep  of 
the  bran  mash  into  the  bag,  then  put  the  foot  in 
and  fill  in  all  around  as  high  as  the  fetlock,  and  tie 
the  bag  above  the  fetlock  and  around  the  ankle  to 
keep  it  well  on  the  foot.  Wet  this  several  times  a 
day  and  change  it  once  daily.  Continue  this  for 
two  weeks,  and  see  that  it  is  properly  done ;  if  not, 
it  will  be  of  no  service.  Then  blister  the  coronet 
with  cantharides  2  teaspoonfuls  and  lard  4  table- 
spoonfuls.  Repeat  in  three  weeks,  and  give  the 
animal  a  long  rest. 

NITS.— See  Bot  Flies. 

NODULAR  DISEASE  IN  SHEEP.— Nodules 
resembling  those  of  tuberculosis  found  in  the  in- 
testines of  sheep,  are  due  to  the  presence  of  para- 
sitic worms.  Profuse  diarrhoea  and  a  pronounced 
anemic  condition  prevail.  A  post  mortem  exami- 
nation of  the  intestines  discloses  the  presence  of 
numerous  nodules  in  the  intestinal  walls.  If  the 
worm  is  present,  no  treatment  is  possible,  for  the 
reason  that  any  medicine  that  would  affect  the 
worm  would  also  affect  the  tissues  and  lead  to 
their  destruction.  Prevention,  therefore,  is  the 
only  means  of  overcoming  the  disease.  Sheep  must 
be  kept  off  infested  pastures,  and  infested  pastures 
must  be  plowed  and  given  over  to  cultivated  crops. 
(Give  lambs  only  clean  pastures  to  graze  over.  This 
means  crop  rotation  in  connection  with  sheep  hus* 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS 


225 


bandry.  No  feed  that  has  been  tramped  over  by 
infected  sheep  should  ever  be  supplied  to  lambs 
or  sheep  not  infested  with  the  disease. 

OBSTETRICS.— Difficult  parturition  is  common 
in  some  females.  And  frequently  others,  less 
bothered  as  a  rule  with  any  difficulty  at  this  period, 
deliver  their  offspring  only  after  great  labor  and 
much  difficulty.  When  such  cases  occur  close 
vigilance  not  only  frequently  hastens  delivery,  but 
often  saves  the  life  of  either  the  mother  or  off- 
spring or  both. 


NATURAL   PRESENTATION    OF   THE   FOAL 

Ib  either  of  these  cases  delivery  follows  in  the  usual  order 
without  delay  or  injury   to   the  mother. 

In  many  instances  the  trouble  is  seated  in  the 
womb;  the  neck  of  the  womb  remains  closed, 
and  even  though  long-continued  and  vigorous  ef- 
forts are  made,  the  offspring  does  not  arrive.  In 
cases  of  this  kind  assistance  can  be  rendered  which 
quickly  removes  the  difficulty.  First  oil  the  hand 
and  forearm  and  work  the  fingers  into  the  passage, 
gently  pressing  it  open.  If  the  womb  does  not 
yield  to  this  treatment  saturate  a  sponge  or  cloth 
with  extract  of  belladonna  and  rub  it  around  the 
neck,  leaving  it  thus  for  a  little  while.  On  remov- 
ing the  sponge  the  passage  will  opea 


226  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

Manner  of  Delivery. — The  natural  position  of  the 
fetus  at  birth  calls  for  the  fore  feet  forward  with 
the  head  resting  on  the  knees.  The  fore  feet,  there- 
fore, in  a  normal  delivery,  are  first  presented  and 
then  the  head.  If  the  fetus  is  not  unduly  large, 
the  mother  will  likely  force  the  delivery  without 
assistance.  In  case  the  struggle  is  extended  gentle 
assistance  will  be  in  order.  This  can  be  rendered 
by  a  gentle  pull  on  the  legs  and  head.  If  this  does 
not  bring  the  offspring,  you  can  consider  that  some- 
thing is  wrong.  However,  do  not  be  hasty,  just 
give  time.  Mares  usually  deliver  in  a  few  minutes 
and  cows  often  require  an  hour  or  so  after  labor 
begins.  If  you  conclude  that  something  is  wrong 
oil  the  hand  and  arm.  Shove  the  fetus  back  and 
ascertain,  if  possible,  the  trouble.  If  this  examina- 
tion shows  dropsy  of  the  abdomen — water  in  the 
belly — ^puncture  the  abdomen  with  a  knife  in  order 
that  the  fetus  may  be  delivered.  If  the  trouble  is 
with  the  head — water  in  the  brain — puncture  the 
head  that  the  water  may  run  out,  and  then  remove 
the  arm  and  hand.  When  the  struggle  pains  come 
on  again,  give  a  gentle  pull  and  delivery  will  follow. 

Frequently  the  position  is  changed.  Sometimes 
but  one  fore  foot  appears  with  the  head,  making  it 
impossible  to  deliver  the  offspring.  When  a  case 
like  this  occurs,  shove  the  fetus  back  and  bring 
the  unpresented  leg  forward  where  it  belongs,  and 
then  likely  no  further  trouble  will  result.  If  the 
legs  are  in  proper  place  but  the  head  turned  back- 
ward, it  will  be  necessary  to  push  the  fetus  back 
into  the  womb  and  bring  the  head  forward  in  posi- 
tion. In  case  the  head  resists  your  efforts,  adjust 
a  noose  over  the  head,  and  while  you  work  with 
your  hand  inside,  have  an  assistant  gently  pull  on 
the  rope,  in  order  to  draw  the  head  into  the  proper 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS 


227 


position.  After  the  head  and  fore  feet  are  put  in 
natural  position,  delivery  will  follow  without  fur- 
ther difficulty. 

When  all  four  feet  appear  together  it  is  neces- 
sary to  push  the  fore  feet  back  into  the  womb  just 
as  far  as  it  is  possible  to  force  them.  This  done, 
pull  now  on  the  hind  feet  and  bring  the  fetus  out, 
hind  feet  first.  It  is  always  a  mistake  to  attempt 
delivery  with  the  head  first  when  delivery  has  pro- 
ceeded as  suggested  in  cases  of  this  nature. 


ABNORMAL    PRESENTATION  OF    THE    FOAL 

Delivery  is  not  possible  In  either  of  the  cases  here  Illus- 
trated. Where  such  occur  assistance  must  be  rendered.  See 
article  on  obstetrics  for  treatment. 


Where  delivery  is  attempted  with  the  hind  legs 
foremost,  it  is  regarded  as  safe,  provided  the  feet 
come  out  as  they  should.  If  any  difficulty  is  en- 
countered, shove  the  fetus  back,  straighten  the 
legs,  and  then  with  the  renewal  of  the  labor  strug- 
gles assist  the  mother  by  a  gentle  pull  on  the  hind 
legs. 

Another  common  presentation  is  where  you  feel 
nothing  but  the  tail,  rump  and  hips.  Adjust  the 
fetus  for  proper  delivery  by  shoving  the  hind  end 
upwards  and  towards  the  front  of  the  womb,  then 
slip  the  hand  down  and  get  hold  of  the  foot  of 


228  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

the  hind  leg  and  lift  upwards  and  backwards  until 
the  legs  are  brought  out  into  the  passage.  Now 
repeat  the  work  for  the  other  leg  and  the  job  is 
done. 

It  is  always  a  good  plan,  after  difficult  partu- 
rition, especially  when  any  abnormal  discharge  ap- 
pears, to  wash  out  the  womb  with  warm  water  in 
which  a  little  carbolic  acid  or  creolin  is  placed. 
Use  this  daily  for  a  few  days. 

PALISADE  WORM.—The  worms  are  found  in 
the  horse  in  two  periods  of  existence.  The  mature 
worms  are  usually  found  attached  to  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  intestinal  wall  of  the  large  in- 
testine, with  the  head  sunk  deep  for  the  purpose  of 
sucking  blood,  which  gives  them  the  brown  or  red 
color.  The  immature  are  found  sometimes  in  the 
same  organs,  in  a  small  capsule  covering,  in  small 
pellets  of  manure,  in  cavities  or  cysts,  varying  in 
size  from  a  pin-head  to  that  of  a  hazel  nut,  in  the 
walls  of  the  intestines,  and  also  in  the  arteries  and 
other  structures  of  the  body. 

When  present  in  the  kidneys  or  in  the  arteries 
leading  to  the  kidneys,  or  in  the  surrounding  tis- 
sues, a  horse  is  especially  sensitive  to  pressure  over 
the  loins.  They  have  been  known  to  cause  paraly- 
sis. When  found  in  the  brain,  an  animal,  when 
working,  suddenly  begins  to  stagger,  the  eyes  be- 
come fixed,  and  the  horse  shows  many  of  the  symp- 
toms of  "  blind  staggers."  When  the  large  arteries 
of  the  abdomen  are  affected,  and  this  is  their  favor- 
able location  in  the  circulatory  system,  the  animal 
is  frequently  subject  to  colic,  which  often  results 
in  death.  This  is  also  the  case  when  found  in 
g^eat  numbers  in  the  intestines. 

From  a  thorough  investigation  of  a  great  many 
cases,  both  before  and  after  death,  the  conclusions 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  229 

are  drawn  that  the  parasite  evolves  a  poisonous 
substance  (toxin),  which,  in  many  instances, 
stupefies  the  brain  or  parts  of  the  nervous  system 
of  the  horse,  and  in  that  way  causes  coma,  paraly- 
sis and  death  of  the  animal. 

Prevention  is  the  best  treatment.  Hay  and  fod- 
der from  swampy  land  are  to  be  looked  upon  as 
suspicious.  Pastures  which  are  subject  to  over- 
flow should  be  avoided.  Medicinal  treatment  con- 
sists of  a  prolonged,  careful  use  of  some  of  the 
essential  oils  or  other  vermifuges.  The  ordinary 
spirits  of  turpentine  has  proved  a  fairly  good  com- 
mon remedy.  An  ordinary  animal  will  stand  8 
tablespoonfuls  of  turpentine  given  in  a  pint  to  a 
quart  of  raw  linseed  oil,  thoroughly  mixed.  If  the 
animal  is  badly  affected,  the  above  dose  may  be 
given  night  and  morning  for  two  or  three  days, 
then  omit  for  a  week  or  two  and  repeat.  The 
remedy  should  be  discontinued  as  soon  as  the 
animal  shows  signs  of  irritation  of  the  kidneys. 

PARALYSIS. — ^A  loss  of  power  over  some  of  the 
muscles  due  to  a  disordered  state  of  the  brain  or 
nerves.  This  may  result  from  disease  or  injury  or 
some  irritation.  In  horses  and  cattle  the  hind- 
quarters are  not  infrequently  aflfected  in  this  way, 
the  result  of  indigestion  from  constipation  or  from 
attacks  of  colic.  The  animal  shows  weakness  in 
one  hind  limb,  moving  it  with  difficulty  when  the 
opposite  limb  may  then  become  aflFected.  If  the 
attack  is  very  severe,  the  animal  falls  on  its 
haunches  and  may  not  be  able  to  rise.  Tempera- 
ture, pulse  and  respiration,  all  are  rather  normal. 
Treatment  should  be  directed  to  remove  the  cause 
of  the  disease.  When  there  is  colic  or  constipa- 
tion, give  purges.  A  half  teaspoonful  of  extract  of 
nux  vomica,  given  in  a  pint  of  milk  twice  a  day,  is 


230  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

very  good.  Pouring  cold  water  from  a  height  and 
then  immediately  hot  water  sometimes  greatly 
strengthens  the  muscles  and  has  its  use  in  treat- 
ing. Rubbing  the  parts  with  mustard  stimulates 
them,  and  in  some  cases  good  results.  Paralysis 
resulting  from  injury  usually  disappears  as  the  part 
returns  to  its  normal  state. 

PARASITES.-— These  are  living  plants  or 
animals  that  live  temporarily  or  continually  in  the 
bodies  of  other  plants  or  animals  and  draw  their 
nourishment  from  their  host.  It  is  doubtful  if 
there  is  a  single  farm  animal  that  does  not  harbor 
parasites  at  nearly  all  times  during  its  life.  There 
may  be  many  of  these  in  the  same  individual  at  the 
same  time.  Parasites  may  be  harmful  or  not,  as 
the  case  may  be.  Parasites  may  be  divided  into 
two  classes — plant  parasites  and  animal  parasites. 
The  bacteria  and  molds  are  the  most  important 
among  the  former,  whereas  in  the  latter  certain 
minute  protozoa,  certain  forms  of  insects  and  cer- 
tain worms  are  the  most  commonly  met.  Such 
diseases  as  staggers,  tuberculosis,  and  typhoid 
fever  are  the  result  of  bacterial  diseases,  while 
Texas  fever  is  an  example  of  the  protozoa  class; 
and  then  the  insects  and  worms  are  types  with 
which  we  are  all  acquainted.  When  a  disease  is 
caused  by  either,  discussion  will  be  found  under 
the  name  of  that  disease. 

PARTURIENT  APOPLEXY.— See  Milk  Fever. 

PARTURITION,  DIFFICULT See  Obstet- 
rics. 

PERITONITIS.— An  inflammation  of  the  mem- 
brane which  lines  the  abdominal  cavity  and  which 
also  invests  the  abdominal  organs.  It  may  be 
caused  from  some  exposure  to  cold  after  some 
weakening  disease.     Some  injury  to  the  abdomen 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  23I 

or  belly  may  cause  it,  or  it  may  start  from  some 
inflammation  that  has  attacked  the  stomach,  liver, 
intestines,  or  the  spleen.  When  attacked,  a  slight 
pain  is  felt  and  the  animal  lies  down,  stretches 
himself,  sweats  freely,  and  moans.  Then  he  rises, 
walks  about  somewhat,  and  all  the  time  breathes 
heavy  and  shows  much  weakness.  The  pulse  runs 
up  between  75  and  100  beats  a  minute.  In  time  the 
legs  and  ears  get  cold.  A  good  treatment  is  a  pint  of 
raw  linseed  oil,  4  tablespoonfuls  of  laudanum,  and 
10  drops  of  aconite.  Mix  these  and  give  as  a 
drench.  A  mustard  plaster  for  the  abdomen  and 
something  hot  for  the  back  are  desirable.  In  two 
hours,  if  the  pain  continues,  give  4  tablespoonfuls 
of  laudanum  and  10  drops  aconite  in  a  pint  of  luke- 
warm water.     Use  as  a  drench. 

PINK  EYE. — A  contagious  epidemic  disease  of 
the  horse  affecting  the  animal  all  over  and  par- 
ticularly the  membranes  of  the  air  passages.  There 
is  general  debility,  considerable  cough,  and  a  general 
discharge  from  the  nostrils.  The  transparent  cover- 
ing of  the  eyeball  becomes  inflamed.  At  times  the 
disease  is  very  fatal,  many  horses  succumbing  to  it. 
It  is  most  common  in  the  spring. 

One  of  the  symptoms  is  the  general  weakness  of 
the  animal.  He  hangs  his  head,  and  trembles ;  has 
little  appetite  and  appears  cold.  The  eyes  show 
a  watery  discharge  and  later  a  stare  coat.  The  pulse 
at  first  is  weak,  but  quick,  and  later  rising  to  80  or 
90  beats  a  minute.  At  this  stage  the  temperature 
is  high,  around  103  to  105  degrees.  The  breathing 
is  accelerated  to  about  50  times  a  minute.  The 
bowels  do  not  act,  or  act  very  poorly,  and  the  urine 
is  very  scanty.  In  treating,  first  isolate  the  animal 
and  disinfect  the  stables  to  prevent  spreading.  Any 
of  the  common  disinfectants  will  do. 


2^2  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

Good  nursing  is  necessary.  Keep  the  horse 
warm  with  blankets.  Give  him  soft,  nourishing 
food.  The  eyes  should  be  bathed  three  or  four 
times  a  day  with  hot  water.  A  little  boric  acid, 
say,  a  teaspoonful  to  a  half  pint  of  water,  is  good 
to  use  as  a  wash  for  the  eyes  and  nostrils.  To 
keep  the  kidneys  active  and  to  reduce  the  fever,  give 
a  tablespoonful  of  nitrate  of  potash  dissolved  in 
water  two  or  three  times  a  day.  If  the 
horse  is  very  weak,  one-half  glass  of  whiskey  in  a 
pint  of  gruel  three  times  a  day  is  stimulating  and 
helpful.  It  is  better  not  to  give  any  physic  of  any 
kind.  After  recovery,  the  horse  should  be  given 
little  or  no  work.  A  long  rest  of  several  weeks  is 
necessary. 

PLACENTA.— The  covering  of  the  fetus,  com- 
monly called  the  afterbirth.  As  a  rule,  this  comes 
away  with  the  birth  of  the  offspring.  Occasionally 
in  the  cow  it  remains  attached  to  the  walls  of  the 
uterus,  and  if  not  removed  will  cause  trouble,  if 
not  sickness  and  death.  Soon  after  the  birth  of  the 
calf,  if  the  afterbirth  remains,  decomposition  sets  in 
and  as  a  result  the  system  is  more  or  less  poisoned. 
The  first  symptoms  observed  are  the  offensive  odor, 
the  reddish  discharge  and  the  decrease  in  the  milk 
flow. 

If  the  afterbirth  does  not  come  away  of  itself, 
assistance  is  necessary.  Do  this  during  the  first 
or  second  day,  or  the  third  day  at  the  latest.  To 
remove  the  afterbirth,  tie  up  the  cow  and  fasten 
her  in  a  way  that  she  cannot  jump  around.  Now 
introduce  the  hand  and  arm,  after  careful  washing 
and  disinfecting  and  oiling,  into  the  uterus  and 
gradually  and  gently  break  the  buttons  or  attach- 
ments from  the  walls  of  the  uterus  with  the  fingers. 
.With  patience  these  will  come  away  and  the  whole 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS  233, 

membrane  be  removed.  An  occasional  injection  is 
advisable.  Use  some  good  disinfectant  in  the 
water,  flush  out  thoroughly. 

PLEURISY. — This  disease  occurs  in  the  chest 
cavity  and  is  found  inside  the  ribs  and  over  the 
lungs.  It  is  caused  very  much  in  the  same  way  as 
inflammation  of  the  lungs,  like  exposure  to  cold, 
standing  in  a  draft,  and  cooling  when  warm.  Some 
injury  to  the  ribs  may  also  cause  the  trouble. 

In  the  early  stages  the  animal  is  noticed  to 
shiver,  the  pulse  is  quick  and  strong,  and  there  is 
great  pain.  The  breath  is  heavy,  and  this  is  noticed 
as  far  back  as  the  flanks.  While  the  animal  may 
,lie  down,  its  disposition  is  to  stand  up  most  of  the 
time.  There  is  an  inclination  to  cough,  but  this  is 
suppressed,  because  of  the  pain  occasioned  by  it; 
therefore  the  cough  really  ends  in  a  groan  rather 
than  in  a  normal  cough.  The  extremities  of  the 
body  become  cold. 

The  best  treatment  endeavors  to  prevent  the 
disease  from  developing.  Do  just  as  you  would  in 
a  case  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  Mustard 
plasters  for  the  chest  on  each  side  are  good.  Keep 
the  body  well  covered,  including  the  legs  and  neck; 
have  good  ventilation  in  the  stable,  but  keep  the 
patient   out  of  any  draft. 

As  soon  as  the  disease  is  noticed,  mix  the  follow- 
ing in  a  pint  of  cold  water,  and  give  as  a  drench! 
Ten  drops  of  aconite,  a  half  teaspoonful  of  bella- 
donna and  two  tablespoonfuls  of  laudanum.  These 
should  be  given  every  two  hours  until  the  pain  sub- 
sides. If  the  animal  seems  to  be  weak,  and  needs 
a  stimulant,  give  4  tablespoonfuls  of  spirits  of  niter 
and  a  half  glass  of  whiskey.  This  may  be  given  in 
a  pint  of  cold  water  mixed  with  the  gruel  and  given 
as  a  drench  three  or  four  times  a  day. 


234  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

At  the  same  time  use  the  following  medicine  to 
improve  the  kidney  action :  One-fourth  pound  of 
saltpeter  or  nitrate  of  potash  and  one-fourth  of  a 
pound  of  gentian  root.  These  are  to  be  mixed  well 
together  and  a  teaspoonful  given '  three  or  four 
times  daily.  Soft  foods  are  desirable.  A  small 
amount  of  water  should  be  given  frequently.  Small 
quantities  at  a  time  are  preferable  to  large  quantities 
at  infrequent  intervals. 

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.— This  is  a  very  con- 
tagious disease  of  cattle  introduced  in  this  country 
from  Europe.  At  one  time  it  was  a  very  serious 
menace  to  the  cattle  industry.  Thanks  to  the  very 
aggressive  work  of  the  United  States  Department " 
of  Agriculture,  the  disease  has,  so  far  as  is  known,  ^ 
been  eradicated  from  this  country.  No  cases  of  the 
disease  have  been  reported  during  the  past  dozen 
years. 

PNEUMONIA. — See  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. 

POLL  EVIL. — ^A  swelling  or  soreness  at  the  top 
of  the  head.  Usually  it  is  caused  by  an  injury,  like 
bumping  the  head  in  a  doorway,  or  from  a  bruise 
made  by  the  halter  or  bridle.  It  is  first  noticed  by 
a  swelling  or  soreness,  which  frequently  causes 
trouble  by  forming  an  abscess ;  sometimes  this 
works  down  and  even  affects  the  bone.  Treatment 
is  very  simple  if  handled  in  time.  Remove  the 
cause  and  then  bathe  with  warm  water  and  vinegar 
twice  a  day  and  apply  a  liniment  of  some  kind.  If 
the  abscess  is  formed,  it  should  be  opened  with  a 
knife  at  the  lowest  point  to  remove  the  matter. 
From  now  on  for  a  few  days  bathe  the  opening  with 
warm  water  in  which  has  been  added  some  carbolic 
acid  or  creoHn.  If  the  case  causes  much  trouble,  you 
had  better  consult  a  veterinarian,  as  bad  cases  fre- 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS 


235 


quently  leave  the  neck  stiff  so  that  the  animals  are 
not  able  to  eat  off  the  ground. 

QUARTER  CRACK.— See  Sand  Crack. 
QUITTOR. — A  name  given  to  a  fistulous  open- 
ing upon  the  ^eels  and  quarters  of  the  coronary 
band,  and  is  caused  by  treads,  pricks  in  shoeing, 
bruises,  and  suppurating  corns.  Any  injury  which 
will  cause  suppuration  within  the  foot  will  usually 

cause  matter  to  form  at 
the  coronet,  and  may  re- 
sult in  quittor.  The  dis- 
ease is  indicated  by  a 
swelling  upon  the  coronet 
where  the  hair  and  hoof 
meet,  great  lameness,  and 
a  discharge  of  thin  or 
thick  curdy  pus.  There 
may  be  one  or  a  number 
of  small  openings  leading 
down  into  the  sensitive 
QUITTOR  part    of    the    foot.      The 

Fistulous  wounds  on  any  parts  surrounding  the 
tn?&'e*?esuTtTf'Urlaro;  Quittor  swell  and  become 
trouble  ma/'Suif  "''°""  ^ard  and  take  on  an  un- 

healthy  action  and  are 
difficult  to  cure,  and  may  be  permanently  diseased. 
Clean  the  foot  and  put  it  into  a  bran  poultice  for 
several  days,  then  remove  any  horn  that  may  be 
pressing  on  the  sore  part.  If  it  is  at  the  heel  re- 
move the  crust  with  a  knife ;  if  it  is  in  front  of  the 
hoof  rasp  it  thin.  Then  probe  the  opening  at  the 
top  to  find  the  depth  and  direction.  Put  a  grain 
of  bichloride  of  mercury  into  tissue  paper  and  roll 
it  into  a  cone  and  press  it  down  to  the  bottom  of 
the  opening.  Treat  all  the  openings  in  the  same 
way.    Put  the  foot  into  a  bag  to  protect  it  from 


236  THE   farmer's   veterinarian 

injury  and  let  it  alone  for  three  days,  tnen  clean 
out  the  openings  and  put  in  some  more  of  the  bi- 
chloride of  mercury,  and  so  on  for  two  weeks,  or 
until  the  parts  become  healthy  and  the  hard  swell- 
ing has  decreased ;  then  make  up  a  bath  of  chloride 
of  zinc  one  ounce,  cool  water  one  gallon ;  put  the 
foot  into  this  twice  a  day  for  twenty  minutes  at  a 
time.  As  soon  as  the  openings  are  healed  blister 
the  coronet  with  the  following:  Mix  2  teaspoonfuls 
of  cantharides  with  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard ;  repeat 
in  two  weeks  if  necessary.  When  it  is  time  to  put 
on  the  shoe  and  work  the  horse,  a  bar  shoe  will  be 
best.  If  the  animal  has  much  fever  in  the  early 
stages  of  the  disease  give  a  dose  of  aloes,  and  follow 
this  by  giving  2  tablespoonfuls  of  nitrate  of  potas- 
sium twice  a  day  in  bran  mash.  Later  in  the  dis- 
ease give  a  teaspoonful  of  sulohate  of  iron  once  a 
day  in  bran  mash  as  a  tonic. 

RABIES.— See  Hydrophobia. 

RHEUMATISM.— A  disease  which  affects  the 
muscles  or  joints,  wandering  from  one  part  of  the 
body  to  another.  It  affects  nearly  all  animals,  in- 
cluding the  horse,  ox,  dog,  hog,  and  sheep.  Rheu- 
matism of  the  muscles  is  usually  due  to  catching 
cold,  while  rheumatism  of  the  joints  is  often  due 
to  some  micro-organism. 

Stiffness,  which  usually  comes  on  suddenly,  is  a 
characteristic  symptom.  The  animal  may  be  able 
to  move  only  with  great  difficulty.  The  joints  may 
crack  when  moved,  the  affected  muscles  are  hard 
and  painful  to  touch,  the  soreness  may  shift  from 
one  part  to  another;  and  the  animal  sometimes 
makes  a  quick  recovery,  only  to  be  followed  by 
another  attack  in  a  short  time  or  perhaps  never 
again.  These  symptoms  may  be  associated  with 
a  rise  in  body  temperature   and   increased   pulse. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  237 

The  disease  may  last  for  a  long  time  or  only  for  a 
few  days.  In  chronic  cases  the  muscles  decrease  in 
size  in  the  parts  affected.  In  the  dog  it  is  very 
painful  when  caused  to  move  and  he  will  howl, 
or  even  howl  when  he  thinks  he  is  going  to  be 
moved.  In  sheep  it  seldom  occurs  except  in  young 
lambs.  Pigs  are  often  affected  in  the  legs  or  back, 
sometimes  becoming  paralyzed  in  the  hind  legs. 

Rheumatism  of  the  Joints  usually  shows  very 
rapid  swelling,  increased  heat,  and  is  very  painful. 
The  animal  is  often  so  lame  that  it  will  not  put  any 
weight  on  the  foot  of  the  affected  limb. 

For  horses  and  cows,  treatment  consists  of  local 
applications  of  alcohol  50  parts  and  oil  of  mustard 
I  part,  rubbing  it  in  well ;  or  spirits  of  camphor. 
Give  at  the  same  time  internally  i  teaspoonful  of 
potassium  iodide  twice  daily  and  not  to  exceed  12 
doses;  or  salicylate  of  soda  4  tablespoonfuls  daily. 
Keep  the  animal  warm  and  in  a  well-ventilated 
stable.  Pigs  or  dogs,  according  to  size,  should  be 
given  from  4  to  16  grains  of  salol,  also  using  the 
above  local  applications. 

RINGBONE. — A  growth  of  bone  on  the  pastern 
bone,  just  above  the  hoof.  It  causes  lameness  when 
it  interferes  with  the  joint  or  the  passage  of  any  of 
the  tendons.  Some  horses  are  predisposed  to  bony 
diseases  from  the  least  injury,  while  others  are  not, 
and  in  selecting  mares  for  breeding  purposes  the 
former  should  be  rejected.  This  disease  results 
from  strains,  bruises,  or  injuries  to  the  cartilage  of 
the  joints.  When  the  membrane  of  the  bone  or 
cartilage  becomes  inflamed  there  may  be  great 
lameness  for  several  months  before  any  enlarge- 
ment takes  place,  and  it  is  somewhat  difficult  to 
detect.  The  absence  of  other  diseases  of  the  foot, 
with  some  heat  in  the  pasterns,  and  soreness  on 


238  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

pressure  or  moving  the  joints  indicates  this  dis- 
ease. In  other  cases  the  enlargement  may  make 
its  appearance  for  some  time  before  the  horse  be- 
comes lame,  and  in  some  cases  it  may  never  cause 
any  lameness,  but  should  always  be  looked  upon 
with  suspicion,  as  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  sooner 
or  later  causes  lameness.  Ringbone  is  more  dif- 
ficult to  cure  on  the  fore  feet  than  on  the  hind 
ones,  as  the  pasterns  are  more  upright  on  the  former 
than  on  the  latter,  and,  besides,  the  horse's  fore 
legs  have  to  bear  two-thirds  the  weight  of  the  body. 

The  horse  should  have  rest,  and  the  shoes  should 
be  removed  and  the  foot  pared  level.  If  there  is 
heat  in  the  part,  keep  it  wet  with  the  following 
lotion  by  means  of  a  bandage  saturated  with  it: 
Acetate  of  lead  half  an  ounce  and  water  one  quart. 
Continue  this  for  a  few  days,  then  apply  a  blister 
composed  of  cantharides  2  teaspoonfuls,  biniodide 
of  mercury  i  teaspoonful  and  lard  8  tablespoonfuls. 
Rub  on  a  third  of  this  with  the  fingers.  It  is  not 
necessary  to  cut  off  the  hair  if  the  blister  is  well 
rubbed  in.  Let  it  remain  on  for  24  hours,  then 
wash  off  and  rub  on  a  little  lard.  Repeat  every 
second  week  until  three  blisters  have  been  applied. 
Keep  the  horse's  head  tied  while  the  blister  is  on 
so  that  he  cannot  get  his  mouth  to  the  part.  The 
horse  should  have  a  few  months'  rest  after  this 
treatment.  If  it  does  not  cure  the  animal  it  is  best 
to  have  him  fired  by  a  qualified  veterinarian. 

RINGWORM. — This  is  common  in  the  domestic 
animals,  especially  in  calves  and  young  cattle,  and 
is  contagious.  It  depends  upon  the  presence  of  a 
vegetable  parasite,  which  develops  and  grows 
rapidly  when  it  finds  a  suitable  place  for  develop- 
ment. Ringworm  may  affect  any  part  of  the  body, 
but  its  favorite  seat  is  around  the  eyes,  the  face. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  2^9 

ears,  and  neck  of  cattle,  and  sometimes  the  back 
and  hindquarters. 

A  gray  crust  appears  on  the  skin,  and  the  hair 
drops  out.  This  keeps  spreading  in  the  form  of  a 
ring  until  around  the  eyes,  the  side  of  the  face,  ears, 
or  neck  may  be  covered  with  it.  It  appears  in  the 
same  way  on  the  back,  hips,  and  inside  of  the  hind 
legs.  It  does  not  seem  to  affect  the  health  of  the 
animal,  as  it  is  found  in  the  well-kept  as  well  as 
those  poorly  kept. 

First  remove  the  crusts  by  washing  with  warm 
water  in  which  one  ounce  of  carbonate  of  potas- 
sium has  been  put  to  every  quart  of  water.  A 
brush  should  be  used  in  washing  the  parts.  Then 
use  the  following:  Iodine  2  teaspoonfuls  and  vase- 
line 4  tablespoonfuls.  Rub  a  little  of  this  on  with 
a  gloved  hand.  Repeat  in  three  days.  Or  mix 
carbolic  acid  i  ounce  with  2  ounces  of  alcohol  and 
apply  a  little  of  this  to  the  parts  with  a  feather  once 
or  twice ;  this  last  is  very  effective. 

ROARING. — A  disease,  due  to  the  wasting  of  the 
larynx;  is  characterized  by  loud,  unnatural  sounds 
after  any  violent  exertion.  The  disease  sometimes 
follows  distemper  and  influenza  or  a  local  injury  to 
the  throat.  Once  established  the  disease  is  incur- 
able. In  its  early  stages  repeated  light  blisters  may 
help.  A  common  blister  can  be  made  of  a  half  tea- 
spoonful  of  cantharides,  a  half  teaspoonful  of 
biniodide  of  mercury  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  vase- 
line or  lard. 

ROUP. — A  disease  of  the  mucous  membrane  in 
fowls.  It  is  of  the  nature  of  an  inflammation,  with 
a  discharge  from  the  eyes  and  nostrils  usually  ac- 
companying. Damp  and  unsanitary  quarters  favor 
the  development  and  spread  of  roup.  It  is  clearly 
a  germ  disease,  and,  therefore,  contagious.     It  is 


240  THE   farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

spread  by  means  of  infected  quarters  and  fowls. 
All  discharges  must  be  destroyed  by  disinfection, 
and  the  diseased  fowls  quarantined  off  by  them- 
selves. The  dead  should  be  burned.  Keep  the 
quarters  light  and  airy;  admit  an  abundance  of 
sunshine  and  fresh  air.  Feed  wholesome,  nutri- 
tious food,  that  the  poultry  stock  may  ward  off  the 
disease.  The  best  treatment  is  that  which  pre- 
vents spreading  to  healthy  fowls.  If  an  outbreak 
occurs,  disinfect  thoroughly,  liberally,  and  continu- 
ously. Antiseptics  administered  about  the  head 
will  usually  break  up  the  disease.  Creolin  is  good — 
say,  I  part  to  loo  parts  of  water.  Kerosene  is  also 
recommended 

In  a  sense,  roup  is  the  result  of  neglected  colds. 
iThe  birds  sneeze,  and  manifest  their  uneasiness  as 
animals  do  with  common  colds.  A  teaspoon- 
ful  of  pure  carbolic  acid  to  each  gallon  of  drinking 
water  is  an  excellent  preventive  and  can  be  pro- 
vided at  small  cost. 

SAND  CRACK.— A  crack  found  in  any  part  of 
the  wall  of  the  foot.  The  crack  is  due  to  over- 
exertion. When  the  hoof  is  dry  and  hard  and  brit- 
tle, the  crack  usually  begins  at  the  top  and  extends 
downward.  Frequently  the  sensitive  tissue  creeps 
into  the  crack,  causing  pain,  and  from  which  blood 
frequently  issues.  When  a  crack  is  first  seen,  the 
feet  should  be  poulticed  with  linseed  meal  for  a  few 
days.  This  will  remove  the  inflammation  and 
soften  the  hoof.  The  next  step  will  be  to  pare  out 
a  piece  of  the  hoof  at  the  top,  separating  it  com- 
pletely from  the  coronary  band  a  half  inch  or  so 
on  each  side  of  the  crack  down  to  the  quick.  Fill 
this  hole  with  tar.  A  bar  shoe  attached  so  as  not 
to  rest  on  the  wall  where  the  crack  is  located  is 
yery  helpful. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS 


241 


SCAB  IN  CATTLE.— Scab  or  itch,  sometimes 
called  mange  of  cattle,  is  caused  by  a  minute  mite 
that  Hves  upon  the  surface  of  the  skin,  burrowing 
into  it.  Other  animals  are  not  attacked  by  this 
parasite,  although  a  similar  one  does  afflict  sheep. 
So  long  as  cattle  are  doing  well  on  grass,  no  dis- 
turbance  is   noticed.    As   soon,   however,  as   they 


A   CATTLE  BATH    TUB 

The  tank  here  shown  is  used  for  dipping  the  cattle  for 
treatment  of  mange.  The  dipping  tank  is  now  generally  used 
throughout  the  West. 

are  placed  on  dry  food  ana  cold  weather  sets  in, 
the  disease  appears,  and,  if  the  cattle  do  poorly, 
develops  into  a  very  aggravating  form.  Old 
cattle  are  less  troubled,  the  attacks  being  more 
frequently  on  calves  and  yearlings  and  two-year- 
olds  out  of  condition.  In  the  early  stages  the  itch- 
ing of  the  skin  in  the  region  of  the  neck  or  shoul- 
ders   is    first    noticed.      This    is    indicated   by    the 


242  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

animals  digging  at  the  skin  with  teeth  and  horns 
and  the  constant  rubbing  against  posts  or  barbed 
wire  or  anything  that  may  give  relief  at  the  time. 
iThe  disease  gradually  spreads  along  the  back,  sides 
and  outside  of  legs.  In  the  early  stages  the  coat 
looks  rough,  the  skin  has  a  scurvy  appearance.  In 
tkne,  the  hair  comes  off  or  is  rubbed  off,  presenting 
bald  patches  of  thick, glazed  and  wrinkled  skin.  After 
the  hair  comes  off  the  parasites  leave  these  regions^ 
seeking  other  quarters  and  then  the  hair  grows  in 
again.  There  is  a  dejected  and  debilitated  condi- 
tion in  animals  thus  afflicted  and  they  fail  rapidly  in 
flesh.  Their  appetites  are  poor  and  most  of  their 
time  is  expended  in  scratching  themselves. 

Scab  spreads  rapidly  through  a  bunch  of  cattle, 
especially  if  they  are  not  thrifty,  and  disseminates  it- 
self through  a  herd  in  four  to  six  weeks.  The  thrifty,, 
vigorous  animals  resist  the  infection  for  some  time, 
but  they  gradually  succumb.  The  disease  is  spread 
by  direct  contact  and  by  contact  with  infected  quar- 
ters. While  the  mites  will  live  a  week  or  ten  days 
in  protected  places,  they  are  almost  immediately 
destroyed  by  direct  sunlight.  As  soon  as  the  disease 
is  discovered  in  a  bunch  of  cattle,  the  infected 
animal  should  be  isolated  and  the  infected  quarters 
and  rubbing  posts  disinfected  with  a  5  per  cent 
solution  of  carbolic  acid.  Infected  animals  should 
be  well  fed  and  cared  for,  and  be  salted  with  a  mix- 
ture of  I  pound  of  flowers  of  sulphur  mixed  with 
ID  pounds  of  common  salt.  External  treatment  is 
necessary  to  affect  a  cure.  If  a  large  number  of 
cattle  are  affected,  a  dipping  wash  through  which 
the  animals  must  swim  in  the  dip  is  the  best  means 
for  destroying  the   mites. 

The  most  efficient  remedies,  considering  cost,  are 
the  coal  tar  products  advertised  as  dip  solutions^ 


DISEASES  OF  FAKM   ANIMALS  243 

A  homemade  dip  that  is  both  cheap  and  effective 
for  treating  a  small  number  of  animals  may  be 
made  of  3  pounds  of  flowers  of  sulphur,  25^  pounds 
of  unslaked  lime,  15  gallons  of  water.  In  making 
this  unslaked  lime  into  a  thick  paste,  sift  in  the 
sulphur  and  stir  well.  Put  this  mixture  in  a  kettle 
with,  say,  five  gallons  of  water  and  boil  for  at  least 
half  an  hour — a  longer  time  is  better.  When  the 
chocolate-looking  mass  settles,  the  clear  liquid  is 
drawn  off  and  water  enough  is  added  to  make  15 
gallons.  The  dip  will  be  more  effective  if  used 
when  warm,  just  a  bit  hotter  than  the  normal  heat 
of  the  body.  After  the  animals  are  dipped,  they 
should  remain  in  the  solution  about  two  minutes. 
This  will  be  time  enough  to  thoroughly  saturate 
the  scabs  and  destroy  them.  A  couple  of  ablu- 
tions are  required  for  complete  eradication. 
When  no  treatment  is  resorted  to,  the  dip  should 
be  applied  with  a  scrubbing  brush,  cloth  or  sponges 
and  all  scabs  and  crusts  should  be  thoroughly 
saturated.  Warm  sunny  days  are  preferable  for 
this  kind  of  work. 

SEPTIC  NAVEL  INFECTION.— A  diseased 
condition  at  the  attachment  of  the  navel  cord  soon 
after  birth.  It  is  a  good  plan  just  after  birth  to 
apply  some  septic  powder  to  the  navel  at  the  break- 
ing point.  If  trouble  arises,  apply  a  solution  of 
carbolic  acid,  i  part  to  20  parts  of  water,  after 
using  some  hydrogen  peroxide.  A  little  iodoform 
and  alum,  mixed  half  and  half,  make  a  good  dust- 
ing powder  to  use  also. 

SHEEP  BOTS.— See  Bot  Flies. 

SIDE  BONES.— On  either  side  of  the  coffin  bone 
there  is  a  cartilage  which  may  in  certain  cases  be- 
come hardened  by  deposits  of  mineral  matters, 
which  may  thus  lead  to  lameness.     Side  bones  are 


244  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

situated  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  leg  and  bulge 
above  the  upper  portion  of  the  hoof.  They  may 
be  the  result  of  inflamed  conditions,  bruises  or 
troubles  like  corns  or  hoof  cracks.  Slipping  on 
the  stony  pavement  is  a  frequent  cause,  as  well  as 
the  great  weight  of  the  bodies  in  heavy  horses.     If 

the  wagon  tongue 
falls  on  the  foot  at 
this  point,  the  car- 
tilage may  be  in- 
jured and  induce  the 
disease.  The  swell- 
ing is  first  noticed 
just  above  the  hoof 
or  near  the  heel. 
Lameness  soon  fol- 
lows. 

The  treatment 
usually  recommend- 
ed for  side  bones 
consists  in  the  free 
use  of  cold  foot 
,,..  baths  or  cold  water 

when    the    cartilages     on     either    ,  ,  r  i 

Side  of  the  foot  of  a  horse  just  at   bandages  lor  a  week 

the  top  of  the  hoof  and  close  to  the  -t-.-       , 

heel    turn    to    bone,    side   bones    are    Or     more.         i  mcture 

^^   "^^^^''-  of  iodine  applied  to 

the  swollen  parts  is  very  good.  A  blister  ap- 
plied after  the  water  applications  have  been 
made  for  a  week  or  so,  is  used  by  many  veteri- 
narians. The  blister  is  made  of  2  teaspoonfuls  of 
cantharides  mixed  with  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  It 
is  rubbed  in  well  with  the  fingers  and  allowed  to 
remain  for  24  hours,  when  it  is  washed  off  and 
applied  a  second  time  the  following  week.  These 
applications  are  continued  until  the  lameness  dis- 
appears.    If  this  does  not  bring  permanent  relief, 


SIDE  bones 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  245 

then  firing  of  the  injured  parts  and  several  months* 
rest  will  be  necessary 

SLOBBERING.— Some  kinds  of  food  cause  an 
unnatural  flow  of  saliva.  Fresh  crimson  clover  hay 
is  one  of  these.  Of  course  the  continual  flow  of 
saliva  is  undesirable  and  unpleasant.  It  is  un- 
natural and  should  be  checked  as  soon  as  possible. 
This  can  be  accomplished  by  changing  the  feed  and 
then  washing  the  mouth  out  with  alum  water.  If 
a  change  is  not  observed  soon,  give  a  good  physic. 
For  horses  use  8  teaspoonfuls  of  bitter  aloes,  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  common  soda  and  a  teaspoonful  of 
ginger.  Mix  these  in  a  pint  of  water  and  give  as  a 
drench.  For  cattle,  dissolve  a  pound  of  Epsom 
salts,  a  tablespoonful  of  common  soda  and  a  table- 
spoonful  of  ginger  in  a  quart  of  lukewarm  water 
and  give  as  a  drench. 

SPASMODIC  COLIC— See  Colic. 

SPAVIN. — This  disease,  known  in  common 
language  as  bone  spavin,  is  an  enlargement  of  the 
hock  joint  similar  to  a  ringbone  about  the  coronary 
joint.  It  may  aflfect  the  hock  joint  in  such  a  way 
as  to  cement  the  small  joints  together,  not  caus- 
ing lameness,  and  apparently  no  blemish,  but  the 
free  movement  of  the  limb  is  impaired.  Any  con- 
dition which  favors  sprains,  such  as  fast  driving 
over  hard  or  uneven  roads,  unequal  paring  of  the 
hoof,  thus  causing  the  weight  to  be  unequally  dis- 
tributed in  the  joints,  and  severe  labor  in  early  life, 
or  blows,  bruises,  or  any  injuries  to  tendons,  liga- 
ments, or  joints  may  cause  spavin.  In  addition 
to  these  causes  may  be  mentioned  sprains  caused 
by  jumping,  galloping,  or  trotting  animals  faster 
than  they  are  accustomed  to;  also  straining  by 
starting  a  heavy  load,  slipping  on  an  icy  surface  or 
sliding  on  a  bad  pavement. 


2^  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

If  the  patient  is  examined  before  any  bony  growth 
has  developed,  inflammation  will  be  detected  on 
the  inside  of  the  hock  joint  at  the  junction  of  the 
cannon  bone  and  the  joint.  While  in  the  stable 
the  horse  prefers  to  rest  the  diseased  leg  by  setting' 
the  heel  on  the  toe  of  the  opposite  foot  with  the 
hock  joint  flexed.  In  traveling  the  patient  is  very 
lame  when  first  taken  out  of  the  barn,  but  after 
traveling-  for  a  short  distance  goes  sound.  The 
diseased  leg  is  not  lifted  clear  from  the  ground,  but 
nicks  the  toe  in  the  middle  of  the  stride,  which  is 
very  noticeable  on  a  pavement.  A  strained  horse 
becomes  very  lame  after  being  allowed  to  stand  for 
even  a  very  short  time,  then  moved  again. 

Preventive  treatment  consists  in  keeping  horses* 
feet  trimmed  properly,  not  overworking  colts  while 
young,  careful  driving  on  hard  or  uneven  roads, 
and  avoiding  all  injuries  that  are  liable  to  strain 
tendons,  ligaments  or  joints  of  the  limbs.  Even 
after  a  spavin  has  developed  it  may  be  cured  by 
proper  treatment  of  the  feet,  and  applying  a  fly 
blister.  The  fly  blister  is  prepared  by  mixing 
thoroughly  4  tablespoonfuls  of  pulverized  canthar- 
ides,  4  tablespoonfuls  of  biniodide  of  mercury  and 
8  ounces  of  lard.  The  hair  is  clipped  over  the 
spavin  and  the  blister  applied  with  considerable 
rubbing.  The  horse's  head  should  be  tied  so  as  to 
avoid  his  biting  the  part  blistered.  A  second  ap- 
plication of  the  blister  is  to  be  used  about  a  month 
after  the  first.  If  blistering  fails  to  cure  the  spavin, 
point-firing  may  be  resorted  to.  It  is  necessary  to 
"  fire "  rather  deeply  to  secure  good  results,  care 
being  taken  not  to  fire  into  a  joint.  After  firing,  a 
fly  blister  should  be  rubbed  into  the  holes  where 
the  hot  iron  has  been  used. 


DISEASES  OF  FARM  ANIMALS  2/^ 

SPAYING. — The  removal  of  the  ovaries  to  pre- 
vent breeding.  Cast  the  animal  on  her  right  side. 
Give  an  anesthetic  to  prevent  pain.  When  the 
animal  is  unconscious,  free  the  limbs  sufficiently  to 
remove  any  pressure  from  the  abdomen.  Now 
pinch  up  a  fold  of  the  skin  in  the  left  side,  midway 
between  the  prominent  bone  of  the  haunch  or 
pelvis,  and  the  last  rib,  about  4  inches  below  the 
backbone.  Make  an  incision  in  the  skin  5  or  6 
inches  long;  now  do  likewise  with  the  abdominal 
muscles  until  the  lining  membrane  of  the  abdominal 
cavity  is  exposed.  This  membrane  is  then  punc- 
tured and  an  incision  made  as  long  as  that  in  the 
skin  and  muscles.  Now  kneel  down  in  close  contact 
with  the  cow's  back  and  insert  the  arm,  passing  the 
hand  within  the  brim  or  cavity  of  the  pelvis.  By 
so  doing  both  ovaries  can  be  secured  and  detached. 
This  ended,  the  operation  of  uniting  the  abdominal 
muscles  follows  by  means  of  stitches  and  sutures. 

Great  care  is  necessary  in  having  the  instruments 
boiJed  and  washed  in  antiseptics,  and  in  having  the 
fingers,  hands,  and  arms  severely  clean  and  well 
saturated  with  a  strong  antiseptic  solution.  The 
operation  should  be  made  out  in  the  open  where 
neither  dirt  nor  dust  are  to  be  found.  Extreme 
care  about  germs  will  remove  much  of  the  risk 
associated  with  the  operation. 

In  spaying  a  sow,  she  is  laid  on  an  inclined  board 
with  the  hindquarters  up.  The  operator  stands  at 
the  back  of  the  sow.  The  hair  is  first  clipped  from 
the  skin  where  the  incision  is  to  be  made,  high  up 
in  the  flank  and  midway  between  the  haunch  and 
the  last  rib.  The  incision  needs  to  be  just  large 
enough  to  admit  the  two  fingers.  Ovaries  are 
located,  pulled  through  the  opening  in  the  flank, 
and  removed  by  tearing  off  with  the  fingers.     The 


248 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


flank  incision  is  then  closed  by  the  necessary  num- 
ber of  stitches. 

This  operation  is  sometimes  performed  in  mares. 
But  being  rather  uncommon  the  process  is  less 
understood.  In  this  case  it  is  best  to  call  your  veteri- 
narian or  someone  in  the  community  well  skilled 
in  the  operation.  In  all  cases  of  spaying  let  severe 
cleanliness  be  the  rule  and  practice,  from  the  very 
beginning  to  the  very  end 

SPLINTS. — Splints  occur  more  commonly  in  the 
heavier  breeds  of  horses  than  in  those  that  are  light 
in  the  bone  below  the  knee.  It 
is  rare  that  splints  occur  any- 
where except  on  the  inside  of 
the  front  cannon  bone,  although 
they  are  sometimes  seen  on  the 
outside  of  both  the  front  and 
hind  legs.  Any  enlargement  of  the 
bone  occurring  on  the  inside  of  the 
leg  between  the  knee  and  fetlock 
comes  under  the  name  of  splint. 
The  usual  cause  is  concussion,  that 
is,  the  impact  of  the  foot  on  the 
hard  road.  It  may  be  the  result  of 
other  causes,  such  as  a  blow,  a 
twisting  strain  or  faulty  conforma- 
tion. Some  animals  are  more  liable 
to  splints  than  others.  It  is,  after 
all,  to  a  certain  extent,  dependent 
upon  heredity.  At  first  the  splint  is 
hard  to  detect.  If  you  notice  a 
young  horse  going  lame  while  doing 
road  work,  it  is  well  to  examine  for 
splints.  While  working  there  seems 
to  be  no  lameness  at  all,  and  when 
PLiNT  standing  there  seems  to  be  no  pain, 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMALS  249 

but  when  put  to  a  trot  the  horse  shows  lameness 
and  may  raise  and  lower  his  head. 

If  taken  in  time,  a  splint  can  be  cured.  The  first 
thing  to  do  with  an  animal  suffering  from  a  splint 
is  to  give  the  animal  rest  and  place  in  such  quar- 
ters where  there  is  a  soft  floor,  preferably  the 
ground,  and  when  so  quartered  one  very  frequently 
effects  a  complete  cure.  The  application  of  cold 
water  bandages  acts  well.  If  treatment  of  this  sort 
fails,  apply  a  blister  of  red  iodide  of  mercury,  i 
tablespoonful  to  2  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  This 
blister  should  be  applied  with  rubbing  every  day 
from  two  to  four  days,  or  until  the  area  is  well 
blistered.  Then  wait  until  the  little  scabs  fall  off, 
and  if  the  animal  is  still  lame,  repeat  the  application 
of  this  blister.  To  apply  the  blister,  clip  off  the 
hair  over  the  enlargement  and  wash  with  vinegar 
to  remove  grease,  then  rub  in  blister  with  ends  of 
fingers.  Keep  the  animals  tied  short  for  two  to 
four  days  in  order  to  prevent  rubbing  or  biting  the 
leg.  Four  days  after  the  last  application  of  blister, 
wash  carefully  with  warm  water  and  soap  and  over 
it  apply  every  day  or  so  a  little  lard,  to  prevent  dry- 
ing and  also  to  loosen  the  scabs. 

SPRAINS. — Injuries  to  the  ligaments  of  joints, 
tendons,  or  muscles.  They  are  caused  by  violence, 
as  twisting,  or  from  over-exertion ;  also  sprains  are 
often  the  result  of  overwork.  If  an  animal  is 
worked  until  tired  or  exhausted  he  is  unable  to  use 
the  proper  muscle  force,  and  more  strain  has  to  be 
borne  by  the  ligaments,  resulting  in  sprains,  which 
often  occur  in  young  horses  or  even  in  old  horses, 
when  put  to  work  after  long  periods  of  rest. 
Swelling,  heat,  soreness,  and  partial  or  complete 
loss  of  the  use  of  the  part,  which  is  shown  by  the 
degree    of    lameness,    characterize    the    disorder. 


250  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

Sprains  are  most  common  in  the  legs,  at  the  fet- 
lock joint,  in  the  tendons  just  back  and  above  the 
fetlocks,  but  may  occur  in  any  part. 

The  first  and  most  important  thing  in  the  treatment 
i  of  sprains  is  rest,  as  sprains  are  a  long  time  in  mak- 
ing a  complete  recovery.  In  the  early  stages,  that 
is,  before  swelling  has  taken  place,  applications  of 
cold  water  should  be  used,  applications  of  hot 
water,  or  hot  packs  of  water,  i,ooo  parts,  and  bi- 
:  chloride  of  mercury  i  part,  are  very  good.  This 
!  will  relieve  the  pain  and  reduce  the  swelling.  Ap- 
plications of  liniments  are  also  very  good.  Should 
there  be  great  heat  and  soreness  in  the  part,  it  is 
well  to  use  cold  applications.  Never  blister  in  the 
early  stages  A  blister  may  be  used  after  the  swell- 
ing has  gone  down,  and  the  part  has  become  cold, 
from  two  to  four  weeks  after  the  injury  occurred. 
This  should  be  followed  by  rest  for  some  time  after 
all  lameness  has  disappeared. 

STAGGERS. — Staggers  in  horses  is  an  affection 
of  the  brain  showing  itself  usually  in  one  of  two 
forms — sleepy  or  stomach  staggers  and  blind  or 
mad  staggers.  In  the  first  form  the  stomach  is  at 
fault.  Sudden  change  of  feed,  moldy  or  dirty  food 
heavy  work  or  fast  driving  right  after  a  heavy  meal 
or  severe  exposure  is  liable  to  cause  indigestion  in 
the  stomach  and  this  is  reflected  to  the  brain,  caus- 
ing the  animal  to  act  dull  or  sleepy,  sometimes 
showing  symptoms  of  serious  colic,  with  gas  form- 
ing from  the  fermentation  of  the  food,  frequently 
resulting  in  death. 

Blind  or  mad  staggers  is  an  inflammation  of  the 
brain  and  may  affect  any  of  the  lower  animals. 
In  the  beginning  of  this  form  the  symptoms  closely 
resemble  those  in  the  stomach  form,  but  as  the  in- 
flammation  progresses  the  animal   becomes  blind 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  25 1 

and  violent  and  may  roll,  paw,  kick,  wander  around 
in  a  circle,  usually  going  only  one  way,  either  to  the 
left  or  right,  or  it  may  walk  or  run  in  a  straight  line 
as  near  as  possible  for  hours  at  a  time — paying  no 
attention  to  injuries  received  in  its  travels.  In 
either  case  the  animal  may  be  drenched  once  daily 
with  a  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil  or  a  pound  of  Glau- 
ber salts,  dissolved  in  water,  which  sometimes  gives 
relief. 

Staggers  in  Sheep  is  mostly  caused  by  the  young 
stage  of  a  tapeworm  which  infests  sheep  dogs.  The 
dog  eats  the  infected  brain  of  the  sheep  and  the 
sheep  eats  the  egg  of  the  tapeworm  after  it  has 
passed  through  the  dog.  After  the  egg  hatches  in 
the  stomach  of  the  sheep  the  young  worm  passes 
through  the  bowels  and  other  organs  or  tissues  or 
circulates  through  the  blood  and  reaches  the  brain, 
where  it  develops  and  causes  an  inflammation,  re- 
sulting in  disease.  It  is  most  common  in  young 
animals,  rarely  occurring  in  sheep  after  their  second 
year. 

Prevention  is  about  the  only  practical  way  of 
handling  this  trouble.  The  grounds  should  be 
thoroughly  drained,  allowing  the  animals  only  pure, 
fresh  water  to  drink.  It  may  be  necessary  to  change 
pastures  for  a  year  or  two.  The  brains  of  all  sheep 
killed  and  the  heads  of  all  dying  with  the  disease 
should  be  burned. 

STOMACH  AND  INTESTINAL  WORMS  IN 
SHEEP. — If  a  box  of  salt  is  kept  covered  in  some 
place  frequented  by  the  sheep,  to  which  they  are 
allowed  to  help  themselves,  and  if  said  salt  is  satu- 
rated with  spirits  of  turpentine  in  proportions  of  a 
gill  to  every  four  quarts  of  salt,  it  will  wonderfully 
help  to  keep  the  worms  from  multiplying.  It  is 
Well,  also,  to  have  another  box  of  larger  size,  where 


252 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


sheep  can  help  themselves  at  will,  filled  with 
tobacco  stems.  These  stems  should  be  cut  up  in 
inch  lengths  and  from  time  to  time  a  quantity  of 
wheat  bran  should  be  put  on  top  of  the  stems. 
When  this  is  done  the  sheep  soor,  instinctively 
learn  to  use  tobacco,  and  no  young  intestinal  worm 
or  stomach  worm,  except  the  tapeworm,  can  stand 


TWISTED   STOMACH    WORMS 

A  common  attitude  observed  when  sheep  are  alBicted 
■with  twisted  stomach  worms.  The  animal  loses  in  flesh,  and 
unless  relief  is  found  in  time,  dies.  The  parasite  is  shown 
in  the  illustration. 

the  diet.  This  will  not  kill  mature  worms.  It  will 
only  prevent  the  worm  family  multiplying  to  the 
extent  of  injuring  the  health  of  sheep. 

But  no  sheep  owner  should  feel  wholly  satisfied 
by  preventive  treatment  of  stomach  worms.  Twice 
a  year  the  whole  flock  should  be  drenched  with 
some  agent  which  will  destroy  the  mature  worms. 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS  253 

There  are  two  very  inexpensive  drenches  which 
will  quite  effectually  do  this.  The  one  is  gasoline, 
the  other  coal  tar  creosote.  The  objection  to  gaso- 
line is  that  it  needs  to  be  so  extremely  carefully 
used  or  sheep  will  be  killed  by  it.  The  dose  is  i 
tablespoonful  (never  more  at  one  dose)  to  a  mature 
sheep;  mix  with  not  less  than  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
raw  linseed  oil  (never  boiled  oil) ;  then  add  a  half 
pint  of  sweet  milk.  In  giving,  set  the  sheep  up  on 
its  haunches  and  shake  the  liquids  well  together 
until  the  last  minute  it  is  administered,  or  the  gaso- 
line will  separate  and,  if  it  enters  the  stomach  in 
the  unmixed  form,  it  will  seriously  injure  and  may 
kill  the  sheep. 

There  is  no  direct  vermifuge  that  will  as  effectu- 
ally kill  all  species  of  worms  in  a  sheep's  stomach 
and  intestines  as  will  gasoline;  yet  the  coal  tar 
creosote  or  the  more  refined  class  of  sheep  dips,  if 
given  after  a  full  12-hour  fast,  before  the  flock  is 
turned  to  pasture  in  the  spring,  and  again  about 
November,  will  destroy  a  large  number  of  the 
mature  worms.  All  lambs  born  in  April  or  May 
should  be  drenched  about  August  or  September 
following,  to  be  certain  of  ridding  them  of  worms 
that  may  later  cause  their  death.  The  dose  of  any 
of  the  sheep  dips  is  a  dessertspoonful  mixed  in  a 
full  pint  of  water. 

STONE  IN  BLADDER.— See  Concretions  or 
Calculi  of  Urinary  Organs. 

STRANGLES.— This  trouble,  commonly  called 
colt  distemper,  affects  horses,  and  rarely  mules  and 
donkeys.  It  is  such  an  infectious  disease  that 
nearly  all  horses  contract  the  disease  when  colts 
and  usually  remain  immune  to  future  exposures. 
The  cause  is  a  very  small  organism  or  germ  which 
enters  the  system  when  a  healthy  colt  comes  in 


254  THE   FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

contact  with  a  diseased  one  or  when  fed  and 
watered  in  infected  vessels.  The  seat  of  trouble 
is  largely  restricted  to  the  respiratory  organs,  oc- 
casionally causing  difficulty  in  breathing,  owing  to 
swelling  in  region  of  throat  or  to  accumulations  in 
air  passages. 

The  symptoms  start  out  with  more  or  less  slug- 
gishness. The  animal  eats  little,  and  does  not 
care  to  take  much  exercise.  A  little  watery 
discharge  frequently  appears  from  the  eyes,  and 
about  the  same  time  a  watery  discharge  from 
the  nostrils,  which  soon  becomes  thicker  and 
more  yellow  in  color.  Usually  the  glands  between 
the  lower  jawbones  become  enlarged  and  undergo 
suppuration  with  a  rupture  of  them  and  free  dis- 
charge of  pus.  The  temperature  of  the  animal  may 
be  slightly  or  very  greatly  increased  from  103°  to 
105 •.  The  pulsations  may  also  be  considerably 
quickened.  When  complications  do  not  occur  this 
disease  usually  runs  its  course  in  two  weeks,  leav- 
ing the  animal  little  the  worse  for  having  passed 
through  the  affliction. 

The  milder  forms  of  this  disease  will  need  little 
or  no  treatment  other  than  careful  feeding  and  nurs- 
ing. A  laxative  diet,  with  something  green,  if  pos- 
sible, should  be  given.  The  colt  should  be  placed 
in  clean,  airy,  and  comfortable  quarters,  but  not 
in  a  draft.  To  hasten  the  suppuration  of  the 
glands  a  poultice  of  hot  bran  or  flaxseed  may  be 
applied  to  that  region,  and  as  soon  as  softening  can 
be  detected  within,  puncture  the  gland  containing 
abscess  with  a  clean  knife  blade  and  allow  the 
escape  of  the  collection  of  pus.  During  the  course 
of  the  disease  the  animal  should  not  be  worked  and 
care  should  be  taken  that  it  be  not  exposed  to  con- 
ditions likely  to  produce  a  cold. 


DISEASES  OF  FARM   ANIMAL3  355 

STRINGHALT  IN  HORSES.— Stringhalt  is 
an  involuntary  contraction  of  the  muscles  that 
bring  the  hind  leg  or  legs  forward.  The  cause  of 
stringhalt  is  a  deranged  condition  of  the  nerves 
supplying  the  muscles,  causing  the  leg  or  legs  to 
be  brought  up  with  a  jerk.  In  slight  cases  of 
stringhalt  it  is  necessary  sometimes  to  turn  the 
animal  round  from  right  to  left,  and  from  left  to 
right,  in  order  to  make  him  show  signs  of  string- 
halt,  the  symptoms  of  the  disease  being  exhibited  as 
he  turns  one  way  only.  This  disease  sometimes 
comes  on  suddenly,  but  generally  develops  slowly. 
It  is  an  unsoundness,  and  depreciates  the  animal's 
value  and  makes  him  unfit  for  hard  work  or  fast 
driving.  There  is  no  sure  cure  for  stringhalt ;  the 
animal  can  sometimes  be  relieved  by  giving  him 
one  ounce  bromide  of  potassium  at  a  dose  twice  a 
day  in  bran  mash,  and  continuing  it  for  one  week, 
then  skipping  a  week  and  giving  again.  It  can 
sometimes  be  relieved  by  cutting  the  tendon  or 
tendons  of  the  affected  muscles,  but  the  operation 
should  be  performed  by  a  qualified  veterinarian. 

SUNSTROKE.— See  Heat  Exhaustion  and  Sun- 
stroke. 

SWAMP  FEVER.— This  disease,  by  some  called 
infectious  anemia  of  horses,  is  produced  by  an  in- 
visible organism,  which  is  transmissible  to  horses, 
mules,  and  asses.  About  the  first  symptoms  noticed 
are  a  general  weakness  of  the  animal ;  it  tires  very 
easily  and  is  not  able  to  do  any  work.  The  loss  of 
flesh  is  apparent  in  spite  of  the  voracious  appetite 
which  the  animal  has  at  times.  The  appetite 
usually  remains  good  until  death,  but  the  feed 
seems  to  do  the  animal  no  good.  The  temperature 
is  very  irregular.  Some  days  it  runs  quite  high, 
at  times  to  107° ;    again  it  is  below  normal.     An 


i256  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

animal  may  have  several  attacks  of  the  trouble, 
but  each  succeeding  attack  seems  to  be  more  severe. 
The  blood  becomes  thin,  and  the  circulation  im- 
paired, and  frequently  there  appears  a  swelling 
under  the  chest  or  abdomen,  or  an  enlargement  of 
one  or  more  legs.  It  is  quite  easy  to  recognize  the 
trouble,  especially  in  the  advanced  stages.  The 
slow  progress  at  the  beginning,  remittent  fever, 
progressive  emaciation  and  anemia,  unimpaired  or 
ravenous  appetite,  staggering  gait,  and  excessive 
urination  are  usually  all  present  to  a  greater  or  less 
degree.  Recovery  takes  place  only  when  treatment 
is  begun  early  and  when  the  disease  is  not  too  acute. 

In  treating,  absolute  rest  until  fully  recovered 
is  one  of  the  primary  requisites,  and  purgatives  are 
to  be  avoided.  For  the  fever,  the  United  States 
Department  of  Agriculture  recommends  an  anti- 
pyretic of  quinine  40  grains,  acetanilide  2  drams,  and 
powdered  nux  vomica  30  grains,  four  times  daily. 
Cold  water  sponge  baths  and  frequent  copious 
rectal  injections  of  cold  water  also  aid  in  reducing 
the  fever.  After  the  fever  subsides  the  following 
is  recommended:  Arsenious  acid,  2  grams;  pow- 
dered nux  vomica,  28  grams;  powdered  cinchona 
bark,  85  grams;  powdered  gentian  root,  no  grams. 
These  should  be  well  mixed  and  one-half  teaspoon- 
ful  given  at  each  feed  of  the  affected  animal. 

As  in  the  case  of  all  other  infectious  diseases,  the 
healthy  should  be  separated  from  the  sick  horses, 
and  thorough  disinfection  of  the  infected  stable, 
stalls,  litter,  and  stable  utensils  should  be  used  by 
mixing  six  ounces  of  any  one  of  these  chemicals 
with  one  gallon  of  water.  One  of  the  approved  coal- 
tar  sheep  dips  might  also  be  used  to  advantage  in  a 
five  per  cent  solution, and  should  be  applied  liberally 
to  all  parts  of  the  stable,  and  sufficient  lime  may  be 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS  257 

added  to  the  solution  to  make  the  disinfectant  area 
conspicuous. 

From  the  fact  that  the  disease  is  more  prevalent 
during  wet  seasons,  it  is  always  best  to  guard 
against  allowing  the  animals  to  graze  upon  swampy- 
land  or  to  drink  from  ponds  of  stagnant  water. 
The  spread  of  the  disease  has  been  traced  along 
creeks  from  one  farm  to  another,  which  would 
suggest  avoiding  these  places  also.  The  draining 
of  the  low,  swampy  lands  is  especially  recom- 
mended. 

SWEENY. — Wasting  of  the  muscles  covering 
the  shoulder  blade  of  the  horse  is  commonly  called 
"  sweeny,"  and  the  cause  may  be  any  strain, 
sprain,  jerk,  or  bruise  of  the  parts  due  to  a  bad 
fitting  collar,  or  to  awkward  steps  of  a  colt  plowing 
for  the  first  time,  and  especially  when  worked  in 
the  furrow.  The  great  nerves  of  the  shoulder  are 
affected,  and  in  consequence  nutrition  is  impaired 
and  the  muscles  waste  away.  A  similar  condition 
may  affect  the  muscles  of  the  hip,  or  of  the  space 
between  the  stifle  and  hip. 

Lameness  seldom  is  a  prominent  feature  in 
shoulder  sweeny.  Ordinarily  the  wasting  comes 
on  some  time  after  the  causative  injury;  then  the 
skin  alone  appears  to  cover  the  bone  (scapula)  and 
the  animal  may  have  little  power  for  work.  In  this 
connection  it  should  be  remembered  that  wasting 
of  the  shoulder  muscles  also  may  be  due  to  any 
chronic  lameness  or  soreness  of  the  foot,  or  leg, 
between  foot  and  shoulder.  Wasting  (atrophy) 
of  muscles  occurs  when  the  muscles  for  any  reason 
are  not  fully  exercised.  It,  therefore,  is  important 
to  make  sure  whether  the  cause  is  in  the  foot  or 
in  the  shoulder  before  commencing  treatment. 


258  THE  farmer's  veterinarian 

Treatment  consists  in  stimulating  flow  of  blood 
to  the  poorly  nourished  parts,  and  if  this  can  be 
done  the  muscles  gradually  grow  in  again  and  re- 
gain their  normal  development  and  power.  An  old* 
fashioned  plan  is  to  make  incisions  in  the  skin  and 
then  blow  up  the  parts  with  air  to  separate  the  skin 
from  the  bone.  This  should  not  be  done.  Setons 
(rowels)  of  tape  may  be  inserted  under  the  skin, 
but  they  leave  scars.  Better  treatment  consists  in 
rubbing  the  parts  twice  daily  with  a  stimulating 
liniment,  or  blistering  at  intervals  of  three  weeks 
with  cerate  of  cantharides,  after  removing  the  hair. 
A  suitable  liniment  may  be  made  by  mixing 
together  four  ounces  of  druggist's  soap  liniment, 
one  ounce  each  of  aqua  ammonia  and  water  to  make 
one  pint. 

SWINE  PLAGUE.— See  Hog  Cholera. 

TAPE  WORMS.— The  flat  worms  of  domestic 
animals.  They  are  most  serious  and  common  in 
sheep.  Treatment  is  only  partially  satisfactory.  To 
get  any  reasonable  result  food  must  be  withheld  for 
several  hours  before  the  medicine  is  given.  Use 
the  following:  i  teaspoonful  of  ethereal  extract  of 
male  fern  in  four  ounces  of  castor  oil.  It  is  desir- 
able to  keep  the  sheep  inclosed,  so  that  the  ground 
can  be  disinfected  after  the  worms  are  expelled, 
otherwise  infection  will  occur  right  over  again. 

TETANti3.— See  Lockjaw. 

TEXAS  6R  TICK  FEVER.— The  earliest  ac- 
counts that  we  have  of  this  disease  date  back  to 
1 814.  It  was  found  that  cattle  driven  from  a  cer- 
tain district  in  South  Carolina  to  other  parts  of  the 
state  would  infect  others  with  the  disease,  while 
they  themselves  seemed  to  be  in  perfect  health. 
The  disease  is  known  by  various  names  in  the  dif- 
ferent sections  of  the  country.     It  is  often  called 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  259 

red  water,  Spanish  fever,  Australian  tick  fever,  and 
murain. 

This  is  a  specific  fever,  and  is  characterized  by 
the  peculiarity  among  animal  diseases  that  animals 
which  scatter  the  infection  are  apparently  in  good 
health,  while  those  which  sicken  and  die  from  it  do 
not,  as  a  rule,  infect  others. 

When  the  cattle  are  brought  into  the  infected 
districts  they  usually  contract  the  disease  during 
the  first  of  the  summer,  and  if  they  are  adult  cattle, 
particularly  milch  cows  or  fat  cattle,  nearly  all  die; 
calves  are  more  likely  to  survive.  The  disease  is 
one  from  which  immunity  is  acquired,  and,  there- 
fore, calves  which  recover  from  the  disease  are  not 
again  attacked,  as  a  rule,  even  after  they  become 
adult. 

When  the  disease  is  prevalent  or  scattered  be- 
yond the  infected  district  the  roads,  barns  and  pas- 
tures are  dangerous  until  freezing  weather,  when 
the  disease  disappears  and  cattle  can  be  kept  in 
the  grounds  or  driven  over  the  roads  without  catch- 
ing the  disease.  The  midwinter  months  is  the  only 
time  that  cattle  can  be  safely  driven  from  an  in- 
fected area  to  a  non-infected  area  without  spread- 
ing the  disease. 

The  Cause. — Texas  fever  is  caused  by  an  organ- 
ism which  lives  within  the  red-blood  corpuscles  and 
breaks  them  up.  It  is  not  a  bacteria,  but  a  pro- 
tozoa, and  belongs  to  the  lowest  forms  of  the  animal 
kingdom.  How  it  gets  into  the  blood  corpuscles  is 
not  known.  The  fatality  is  due  not  so  much  to  the 
loss  of  blood  corpuscles  as  to  the  difficulty  which 
the  organs  have  in  getting  rid  of  the  waste  products 
arising  from  this  wholesale  destruction. 

The  Course  of  the  Disease. — After  a  period  of 
exposure,  which  may  vary  from  13  to  90  days,  the 


260  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

disease  first  shows  itself  in  dullness,  loss  of  appe- 
tite and  a  tendency  to  leave  the  herd  and  lie  down 
alone.  A  few  days  before  these  symptoms  appear 
the  temperature  rises  from  103°  to  107°.  There  is 
little  change  in  temperature  until  death  or  recov- 
ery. 

Pathological  Changes  Observable  After  Death.— 
The  presence  of  small  ticks  on  the  udder  or 
escutcheon  is  a  very  important  sign  in  herds  north 
of  the  Texas  fever  line.  The  watery  condition  of 
the  blood.  The  spleen  or  milt  very  much  en- 
larged, and  filled  with  a  blackish  pulp.  Enlarge- 
ment of  the  liver,  and  its  color  changed  to  a 
mahogany  color.  The  distended  gall-bladder, 
caused  by  an  excessive  amount  of  bile  in  it. 

The  Cattle  Tick  (Boophilus  hovis)  is  the  carrier 
of  this  disease.  Its  life  history  is  quite  simple.  It 
is  unable  to  come  to  maturity  and  reproduce  its 
kind  unless  it  becomes  attached  to  the  skin  of  cattle, 
whence  it  may  obtain  its  food.  The  eggs  laid  on 
the  ground  by  the  female  tick  after  falling  off  the 
cattle  begin  to  develop  at  once.  The  time  required 
for  hatching  varies  considerably,  according  to  the 
temperature.  In  the  heat  of  summer  about  13  days, 
and  in  the  fall,  under  the  same  conditions,  from 
four  to  six  weeks.  On  pastures  these  little  crea- 
tures soon  find  their  way  on  to  cattle.  They 
attach  themselves,  by  preference,  to  the  tender  skin 
on  the  escutcheon,  the  inside  of  the  thighs,  and  on 
the  base  of  the  udder.  When  very  numerous  they 
may  be  found  on  various  parts  of  the  body.  They 
remain  clinging  to  the  cattle  until  mature,  and  then 
fall  off  and  lay  their  eggs  and  hatch  more  new 
ticks. 

How  Prevention  Is  Possible. — The  spread  of 
Texas  fever  can  be  prevented  by  two  ways — sani- 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS  261 

tary  arrangements  and  by  vaccination.  Where  the 
cattle  are  infected  with  the  tick,  the  ticks  can  be 
killed  by  smearing  the  animals  with  a  solution 
capable  of  killing  the  ticks  without  harming  the 
cattle.  In  large  herds  a  large  vat  of  crude  petrol- 
eum is  used  to  immerse  the  cattle  in.  In  small 
herds  smear  the  cattle  with  a  mixture  of  equal  parts 
of  cottonseed  oil  and  crude  petroleum. 

How  to  rid  the  pastures  of  the  tick  without  kill- 
ing the  vegetation  on  them  has  for  a  long  time  been 
the  problem.  Divide  the  pasture  in  two  parts  by  a 
double  parallel  line  of  fence  with  a  lo-foot  space 
between,  to  prevent  ticks  from  crawling  across. 
One  of  these  pastures  is  then  kept  free  of  cattle  for 
two  winters  and  one  summer.  After  the  second 
winter  it  will  be  free  of  ticks  and  ready  for  tickless 
cattle,  when  the  other  pasture  is  abandoned  for  the 
same  time. 

Vaccination  is  for  the  purpose  of  immunizing 
cattle  that  are  brought  from  a  non-infected  district 
to  an  infected  district.  Calves  about  six  to  eight 
months  old  should  be  used,  as  they  are  more  im- 
mune than  adult  cattle.  The  immunity  is  caused 
by  introducing  the  germ  into  the  blood  in  a  weak- 
ened form.  This  may  be  done  in  two  ways — by 
placing  virulent  young  ticks  on  the  calves  or  by 
artificial  vaccination.  When  this  is  practiced,  it 
should  be  done  in  two  or  three  inoculations,  as  it 
gives  better  results.  The  intervals  should  be  about 
three  weeks.  The  amount  of  virulent  blood  should 
be  small  the  first  time  and  increased  in  the  follow- 
ing treatments. 

The  inoculation  always  results  in  a  more  or  less 
serious  attack  of  the  fever  upon  the  animal  treated. 
Some  may  die,  but  the  proportion  of  deaths  result- 
ing among  animals  taken  directly  into  the  infected 


262  THE   farmer's  veterinarian 

district  is  large  to  the  proportion  of  deaths  result- 
ing from  vaccination.  Medical  treatment  for  this 
disease  has  proven  unsatisfactory  in  the  acute  form, 
although  in  some  chronic  cases  some  good  results 
may  have  been  obtained  by  medical  treatment. 

THICK  LEG.— See  Lymphangitis. 

THOROUGHPIN.— An  enlargement  situated 
on  the  sides  and  upper  part  of  the  hock  joint  of  the 
horse,  arising  from  a  derangement  of  the  sheath  of 
the  back  tendon.  The  fluid  with  which  it  is  filled 
can  be  pressed  from  one  side  to  the  other,  hence 
the  term  thoroughpin.  It  seldom  causes  lameness. 
For  treatment  mix  a  teaspoonful  of  biniodide  of 
mercury  with  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  Rub  on  a 
little  with  the  fingers,  let  it  remain  on  for  24  hours, 
then  wash  off  and  rub  on  a  little  lard  or  vaseline. 
Repeat  the  blister  every  third  week  until  the  en- 
largement disappears.  The  horse  should  have  rest 
while  under  treatment. 

THRUSH. — A  diseased  condition  of  the  secret- 
ing surface  of  the  fatty  frog  in  the  foot.  In  severe 
cases  the  horny  part  often  detaches  from  the  sen- 
sitive tissue  within.  Bad  shoeing  is  a  common 
cause  of  the  trouble,  or  anything  else  that  prevents 
the  frog  from  coming  in  contact  with  the  ground. 
Lameness  is  sometimes  associated  with  the  disease. 
Treatment  consists  of  careful  cleaning,  followed 
with  linseed  meal  poultices  if  lame.  After  the  fo©t 
is  made  dry,  insert  calomel  into  the  little  cavities. 
The  calomel  can  be  kept  in  and  the  dirt  kept  out 
by  using  paper  or  cloth  plugs.  Follow  this  treat- 
ment until  normal  condition  is  attained. 

THUMPS. — This  disease  is  limited  in  its  action 
to  pigs.  Its  cause  is  not  definitely  known.  It  is  recog- 
nized by  a  peculiar  contraction  of  the  diaphragm 
in  young  pigs.     While  the  pig  may  eat  fairly  well 


DISEASES   OF   FARM    ANIMALS  263 

the  disturbance  is  associated  with  digestion.  Such 
patients  like  to  lie  around  and  take  very  little  exer- 
cise. The  disease  is  more  common  where  one  kind 
of  food  like  corn  is  fe&.  The  old  common  method 
was  to  cut  off  the  ear.  The  common  practice  now 
is  to  give  a  purgative  so  as  to  relieve  the  stomach 
and  bowels  of  accumulated  material.  The  food 
should  be  changed  and  from  I  to  2  tablespoonfuls  of 
Epsom  salts  should  be  given.  The  jerking  move- 
ment of  the  muscles  may  be  relieved  or  stopped 
by  using  laudanum,  say,  four  drops  to  i  or  2  tea- 
spoonfuls  of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia  in  a  half 
pint  of  water. 

TICK  FEVER.— See  Texas  Fever. 

TRICHINOSIS.— A  disease  caused  by  the  tri- 
china, a  minute  worm  that  affects  people,  hogs  and 
rats.  People  become  affected  with  the  disease  from 
raw  or  partly  cooked  pork.  These  worms  are 
killed  by  thorough  cooking  or  by  the  process  of  hot 
pickling  and  curing  meat  products. 

Hogs  become  affected  through  eating  oifal  and 
rats  about  the  slaughterhouses.  Hogs  that  are 
fed  on  green  grass  and  other  wholesome  food,  free 
from  these  minute  worms,  are  less  likely  to  have 
trichinae  embedded  in  their  flesh  and  muscles.  Hogs 
do  not  seem  to  be  bothered  with  the  trichinae, 
but  people  suffer  very  severely,  as  both  soreness  in 
the  muscles  and  fever  result. 

A  few  days  after  eating  the  trichinae,  the  worms 
multiply  very  rapidly  in  the  digestive  tract,  from 
which  they  migrate  to  other  parts  of  the  body  and 
work  their  way  through  the  tissues.  There  is  no 
remedy  in  way  of  treatment  when  affected.  Pre- 
vention is  the  one  cure.  Inasmuch  as  five  to  ten 
per  cent  of  hogs  are  affected,  it  is  advisable  that  all 


264 


THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 


pork  or  ham  be  eaten  only  after  most  thorougH 
cooking. 

TUBERCULOSIS.— Tuberculosis  is  a  disease 
resulting  from  the  growth  of  tubercle  bacteria  in 
the  tissues  of  the  animal.  The  bacteria,  or  germs, 
of  tuberculosis,  usually  gain  entrance  to  the  organs 
of  the  body  by  being  taken  in  with  the  food.  Some- 
times they  penetrate  through  the  membranes  in  the 

throat  and  get  into  the 
glands  of  the  head.  Some- 
times they  are  taken  into 
the  digestive  tract,  where 
they  pass  through  the 
walls  of  the  intestines 
into  the  lymph  channels 
and  are  carried  through 
the  large  lymph  vessel 
into  the  blood  circulation. 
In  some  cases  it  would 
TUBERCULOSIS  GERMS        seem  that  the  bacteria  get 

These  germs  may  be  in-  jnto  the  lungS  on  particles 
haled   in   the   lung3  with   the  °  •    ,     ,     , 

air,  admitted  to  the  stomach    of  dust  that  are  mhaled. 

After  getting  into  the 
body,  tubercle  bacteria 
multiply  in  the  tissues  to 
which  they  have  been  carried  and  produce  the 
changes  in  them  which  we  find  on  the  examination 
of  an  animal  suffering  with  tuberculosis.  Tuber- 
culosis, therefore,  is  simply  the  outcome  of  the 
gfrowth  of  the  tubercle  bacteria  in  the  organs. 

Where  Tubercles  Are  to  Be  Found. — Tubercu- 
lous areas  may  be  found  in  almost  any  part  of  the 
infected  animal,  but  the  organs  that  are  usually  af- 
fected are  the  lymphatic  glands,  either  in  the  throat, 
the  bronchial  glands  or  those  about  the  intestines 
and  on  the  liver ;  the  lungs ;  the  liver ;  the  kidneys ; 


and  intestines  with  food  and 
drink,  or  established  in  the 
flesh  by  Inoculation  through 
broken  skin  or  mucous  mem- 
brane. 


DISEASES   OF   FARM   ANIMALS  265 

intestines;  udder  and  generative  organs.  The 
membrane  covering  the  lungs  (pleura),  the  heart 
(pericardium),  and  intestines  (peritoneum),  are 
frequently  affected.  It  often  happens  that  a  large 
mass,  or  masses,  of  tuberculous  tissue  grow  over 
one  or  more  of  these  membranes.  The  most  pecu- 
liar thing  about  bovine  tuberculosis  is  the  fact  that 
frequently  an  animal  will  appear  to  be  perfectly 
well,  but  when  slaughtered  will  be  found  to  have 
a  large  number  of  tuberculous  areas  or  masses  on 
the  membranes  or  in  its  organs.  The  reason  for 
this  is  that  the  diseased  area  is  not  at  a  vital  point. 

The  organ  or  membrane  affected  depends  upon 
the  one  to  which  the  germ  is  carried.  Usually 
animals  are  infected  in  but  one  organ  in  the  be- 
ginning, and  from  this  diseased  area  the  germs 
spread  through  the  blood  vessels  or  lymph  chan- 
nels to  other  organs.  When  the  diseased  area  is 
restricted  to  one  organ  or  part,  it  is  called  "  local- 
ized "  tuberculosis,  because  it  appears  at  the  point 
where  the  seed  or  germ  was  first  planted.  When 
the  germs  spread  through  the  circulation  from 
this  first  or  primary  diseased  area  to  other  organs 
and  set  up  new  tuberculous  growths,  the  con- 
dition is  called  "  generalized  "  tuberculosis.  When 
cattle  are  slaughtered  for  food,  if  they  are  found 
to  be  afflicted  with  localized  tuberculosis,  the  flesh 
is  considered  to  be  fit  for  food,  but  if  the  disease 
is  generalized  the  carcass  is  condemned. 

The  Symptoms  of  Tuberculosis  vary  according  to 
the  location  of  the  disease.  If  it  is  in  the  glands  of 
the  throat  it  is  suggested  by  their  enlargement.  If 
it  is  in  a  gland  about  the  lungs,  which,  because  of 
its  enlargement,  presses  on  the  oesophagus  (gullet), 
there  might  be  bloating.  If  the  disease  is  in  the 
lung  tissue  there  would  be,  after  it  is  sufficiently 


266  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

advanced,  coughing  and  perhaps  difficult  breathing. 
If  the  disease  is  in  the  liver,  it  cannot  be  readily 
distinguished  until  it  is  far  advanced.  If  the  dis- 
ease is  in  the  udder  it  manifests  itself  usually  by 
the  organ  becoming  firm  or  hard,  and  when  the 
tissues  are  sufficiently  broken  down  the  milk  from 
that  quarter  will  be  changed  in  appearance;  some- 
times it  is  thick,  containing  pus,  sometimes  thin 
and  watery.  It  is  very  difficult  to  diagnose  tuber- 
culosis from  the  symptoms,  as  many  other  causes 
may  give  rise  to  similar  manifestations. 

As  tuberculosis  is  caused  by  a  specific  germ,  the 
disease  is  spread  by  the  germs  escaping  from  the 
diseased  animals  and  getting  into  the  bodies  of 
healthy  ones.  The  tubercle  bacteria  escape  from 
the  infected  animal  with  som.e  one  or  more  of  the 
natural  discharges  of  the  body.  For  example,  if 
the  cow  has  a  bad  tuberculous  area  in  the  lung,  the 
bacteria  may  be  discharged  into  one  of  the  air  tubes 
and  coughed  up  into  the  mouth.  Some  of  them 
will  escape  with  the  saliva  and  infect  mangers  or 
pastures.  Some  of  them  may  be  swallowed  and 
escape  from  the  body  with  the  feces.  If  the  dis- 
ease is  in  the  udder  the  germs  will  escape  with  the 
milk.  There  are  some  observations  which  indicate 
that  sometimes  the  bacteria  will  escape  with  the 
milk  where  the  udder  is  not  affected.  After  the 
bacteria  leave  the  diseased  animal  and  are  left  in 
the  manger,  or  in  the  pasture,  or  on  the  surface  of 
water  in  the  drinking  trough,  they  can  be  readily 
taken  up  by  healthy  cattle  that  eat  or  drink  after 
them.  If  they  escape  with  the  milk,  calves  and 
pigs  that  are  fed  with  it  readily  become  infected. 
After  the  germs  get  into  the  body  of  the  healthy 
animal  they  will  multiply  and  produce  the  disease, 
just  as  the  seed  of  a  noxious  weed  will,  if  blown 


DISEASES   OF  FARM  ANIMALS  2^ 

into  a  new  field,  germinate  and  produce  the  weed 
there.  Tuberculosis  spreads  from  animal  to  animal 
on  the  same  principle  that  weeds  spread  from  one 
field  to  another. 

In  order  to  prevent  the  spread  of  tuberculosis  it 
is  simply  necessary  to  prevent  healthy  animals  from 
coming  in  contact  with  the  diseased  ones  or  eating 
or  drinking  after  them. 

As  tuberculosis  cannot  be  readily  detected  by  a 
physical  examination  until  the  disease  is  far  ad- 
vanced in  the  organs  affected,  it  is  necessary,  in 
order  to  determine  which  animals  have  the  disease, 
to  apply  some  test  or  to  find  the  germs  of  the  dis- 
ease in  their  excretions.  The  simplest  test  that  has 
thus  far  been  discovered  is  the  action  of  tuber- 
culin. When  tuberculin  is  injected  under  the  skin 
of  the  animals  affected  with  active  tuberculosis  the 
animals  respond  by  a  rise  of  temperature,  which 
follows  a  somewhat  definite  curve.  By  means  of 
this  test  it  is  possible  to  pick  out  the  infected  in- 
dividuals so  that  they  can  be  separated  from  the 
healthy  ones.  The  test  should  be  repeated  in  from 
six  months  to  a  year  in  order  to  detect  any  new 
cases  which  might  have  developed  from  latent  or 
arrested  ones.  We  cannot  always  get  all  of  the 
infected  animals  with  the  first  test  any  more  than 
we  can  always  remove  every  weed  from  the  garden 
by  one  hoeing. 

The  Bang  Method  for  the  Control  of  tuberculosis 
consists  in  separating  the  animals  that  are  infected 
from  the  well  ones  and  keeping  them  for  breeding 
purposes.  The  calves  are  removed  from  their  dams 
as  soon  as  born  and  fed  with  the  milk  of  healthy 
cows,  or  the  pasteurized  milk  of  the  infected  ones. 
It  has  been  found  that  but  a  small  percentage  of 
calves  that  are  raised  under  proper  precautions  from 


268  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

such  animals  have  tuberculosis.  By  this  means  a 
sound  herd  of  cattle  may  be  developed  from  tuber- 
culous animals.  This  method  was  introduced  by 
Prof.  Bang  of  Copenhagen,  and  it  has  been  found 
to  be  very  effective  in  Denmark  and  other  countries 
in  Europe.  It  has  been  applied  with  much  success 
in  a  large  number  of  individual  herds  in  the  United 
States.  Its  success  depends  entirely  upon  the  care 
which  is  taken  in  keeping  tubercle  bacteria  away 
from  the  calves. 

In  purchasing  cattle  for  dairy  or  breeding  pur- 
poses it  is  important  that  they  should  be  taken 
from  herds  that  are  free  from  tuberculosis.  The 
sound  herd  is  the  unit  to  be  dealt  with.  Animals 
from  such  herds  are  far  more  reliable  than  non- 
reactors  from  tuberculous  herds. 

TUMORS. — Abnormal  growths  of  tissues.  There 
are  many  kinds  of  tumors.  They  are  named  from 
the  kind  of  tissue  of  which  they  are  composed, 
as  fibrous  and  fatty.  Just  why  tumors  should  de- 
velop is  not  known.  Treatment  is  in  the  direction 
of  direct  removal ;  this  means  they  are  to  be  cut 
out  with  a  knife.  Another  method  is  to  tie  a  strong 
cord  around  the  stem  of  the  tumor,  thus  shutting 
off  the  blood  supply.  As  soon  as  this  is  effected, 
there  will  be  a  sloughing  away,  with  a  sore  remain- 
ing, which  is  to  be  treated  as  in  an  ordinary  wound. 
Some  tumors  are  burnt  off  with  caustics.  Arsenic 
or  corrosive  sublimate  are  commonly  used,  either 
singularly  or  combined.  Better  consult  a  veteri- 
narian about  the  removal  of  tumors  on  valuable 
animals. 

TUMORS  IN  PIGS  AFTER  CASTRATION.— 
Bunches  form  on  the  cords  of  pigs  after  castration 
as  a  result  of  infection  from  dirty  instruments  or 
hands  during  the  operation ;    or  from  leaving  the 


DISEASES   OF  FARM   ANIMALS  269 

cord  too  long,  thus  increasing  the  liability  of  its 
becoming  infected.  These  tumors  continue  to 
grow,  and  in  the  worst  cases  attain  the  size  of  a 
man's  head.  Cut  down  on  a  tumor  the  same  as 
in  a  simple  case  of  castration.  Separate  the  skin 
from  the  tumor  and  then  swallow  up  the  cord  with 
the  hands.  Cut  the  cord  off  as  high  up  as  possible. 
The  wound  may  be  healed  by  the  use  of  any  of  the 
common  disinfectants.  A  teaspoonful  of  carbolic 
acid  in  a  quart  of  water  may  be  used  once  daily 
until  the  pigs  are  healed.  Pigs  should  be  kept  in 
a  clean  pen  after  the  operation. 

WARBLES. — These  are  lumps  in  the  skin  of 
cattle,  caused  by  grubs  or  warbles.  A  simple  treat- 
ment is  to  cut  the  skin  and  squeeze  out  the  grubs 
where  the  lumps  are  noticed.  If  all  the  grubs  are 
killed  in  this  way,  there  will  be  no  mature  flies  to 
cause  trouble  later  on.     See  article  on  Bot  Flies. 

WARTS. — The  cause  of  these  little  tumors  of  the 
skin  is  not  definitely  known.  They  occur  on  all 
domestic  animals,  appearing  most  frequently  on 
horses  and  cattle.  Pure  acetic  acid,  dropped  on 
the  wart  until  it  is  saturated  and  softened,  de- 
stroys in  the  early  stages.  Warts  about  which  a 
small  cord  may  be  tied  are  most  easily  treated  in 
that  way.  After  they  have  sloughed  off,  apply  a 
little  terchloride  of  antimony  with  a  feather  or  cot- 
ton. When  the  scab  forms,  remove  it  and  apply 
the  chemical  again.  With  a  couple  of  applications 
the  spot  will  be  lower  than  the  surrounding  skin. 
Now  use  an  ointment,  made  of  4  tablespoonfuls  of 
oxide  of  zinc  and  8  tablespoonfuls  of  lard.  Apply 
this  daily  until  the  sore  spot  is  healed.  Sometimes 
a  form  of  warts  suddenly  appears  on  colts  and 
calves  and  scatter  themselves  about  the  lips,  nose 


270  THE  FARMER  S  VETERINARIAN 

and  face.  They  are  common  and  appear  and  dis- 
appear suddenly.     No  treatment  is  necessary. 

WATER  IN  THE  BRAIN.— Dropsy  in  the 
brain.  A  condition  characterized  by  an  accumula- 
tion of  fluid  in  the  brain.  The  disease  is  either 
congenital  or  arises  during  the  first  years  of  life. 
When  it  occurs  the  best  thing  is  to  kill  the  young 
individual  at  once. 

WATER  IN  THE  CHEST.—Often  after  a  case 
of  pleurisy  a  reaction  comes  and  a  very  large  quan- 
tity of  water  settles  in  the  chest  cavity,  anywhere 
from  two  to  four  pailfuls.  When  the  disease  comes 
on  the  animal  has  difficulty  in  breathing;  takes  in 
the  breath  quickly.  There  is  a  constant  biting  at 
the  flanks;  the  pulse  increases  to  a  hundred  beats 
a  minute.  If  you  place  your  ear  over  the  chest 
you  will  likely  hear  no  sound  at  all.  Best  treat- 
ment is  wholesome  food,  boiled  flaxseed,  and  blis- 
ters for  both  sides  of  the  chest.  Use  strong  mustard 
plasters.  A  good  medicine  to  use  is  one-fourth  of 
a  pound  of  saltpeter  or  nitrate  of  potash,  one 
fourth  of  a  pound  of  ground  gentian  and  one-fourth 
of  a  pound  of  sulphate  of  iron.  These  should  be 
mixed  and  then  i  teaspoonful  given  every  four 
hours.  You  had  better  consult  a  veterinarian.  Other 
complications  set  in  so  readily  that  help  may  be 
secured  in  other  ways.  Some  veterinarians  punc- 
ture the  chest  so  as  to  draw  oflF  the  surplus  water 
that  has  accumulated. 

WHITE  SCOURS  OF  CALVES.— Calves  of 
several  days  or  weeks  old  suflFer  from  indigestion, 
which  is  indicated  by  thriftlessness,  and  then  scour- 
ing. The  discharges  are  white,  sour,  curdled  and  fre- 
quent at  first  and  then  become  watery,  greenish  and 
offensive,  passing  in  stream  often.    Calves  live  some 


DISEASES  OF  FARM  ANIMALS  J^X 

days  and  fast  lose  flesh,  showing  all  the  symptems 
of  ill  health. 

One  of  the  commonest  causes  is  feeding-  dirty, 
souring  or  decomposing  factory  skim  milk  in  large 
quantities  at  long  intervals;  even  sweet  skim  milk 
so  fed  may  produce  the  trouble.  To  prevent  scours 
give  calves  a  perfectly  clean,  airy,  sunny  pen  and 
yard  attached.  Separate  any  calf  that  scours. 
Avoid  dirty,  dark,  damp,  poorly  ventilated  pens  in 
which  scouring  calves  have  been.  Give  all  food 
from  clean,  scalded,  sun-dried  vessels.  Feed  small 
quantities  of  food  often;  and  in  milk  mix  lime  water 
freely  two  or  three  times  a  week  as  a  preventive; 
and  daily  when  scouring  has  been  experienced. 
Also  see  that  the  udders  of  cows  nursing  calves 
do  not  become  contaminated  with  manure  or  other 
filth. 

Wash  udders  with  a  two  per  cent  solution  of  coal 
tar  disinfectant  before  any  calf  is  allowed  to  suck 
for  the  first  time,  and  then  repeat  to  keep  the  udders 
clean.  Also  disinfect  the  navel  of  each  calf  at  birth 
with  a  1-500  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate  and 
repeat  the  application  twice  a  day  until  the  navel 
is  perfectly  healed  over.  At  the  first  sign  of  scours 
give  castor  oil  shaken  up  in  milk.  Two  to  6  table- 
spoonfuls  is  the  dose  according  to  the  size  and  age  of 
the  calf.  Follow  two  or  three  times  daily  with  a  i  to 
2-teaspoonful  dose  of  a  mixture  of  one  part  of  salol 
and  two  parts  of  subnitrate  of  bismuth  in  milk  or 
water.  For  calves  scouring  on  skim  milk  mix  in 
each  pint  of  milk  i  teaspoonful  of  a  mixture  of  half 
an  ounce  of  formaldehyde  in  15^  ounces  of  dis- 
tilled water,  to  be  kept  in  an  amber-colored  bottle. 

WIND  COLIC— See  Colic. 

WIND  PUFFS. — An  accumulation  of  synovia  in 
the  cavities  between  the  tendons  of  the  legs,  esp«- 


272  THE  farmer's  VETERINARIAN 

daily  between  the  back  tendons  and  the  bone  Just 
above  the  fetlock  joint.  The  bulging  out  is  on 
each  side  of  the  tendon.  Horses  subjected  to 
severe  exertions,  like  hard  work  on  the  roads,  are 
most  frequently  affected.  The  puffs  or  galls  sel- 
dom cause  lameness  or  interfere  with  the  usual 
work.  Unless  treated  the  puffs  will  become  thicker 
and  harder  and  sometimes  solidified.  When  this 
happens  lameness  occurs.  In  the  early  stages, 
pads  and  bandages,  if  applied  so  as  to  cause  pres- 
sure, will  tend  to  remove  the  galls.  If  this  treat- 
ment is  not  sufficient,  then  use  a  teaspoonful  of 
biniodide  of  mercury,  and  4  tablespoonfuls  of  lard. 
When  mixed,  these  should  be  rubbed  on  with  the 
fingers.  After  24  hours  remove  with  water  and 
soap  and  repeat  every  other  week  until  the  puffs 
disappear. 

WIND  SUCKING.— See  Cribbing. 

WORMS. — See  Intestinal  Worms  in  Horses  and 
Sheep;  and  Stomach  Worms. 

WORMS  IN  HOGS.— Hogs  with  worms  in  the 
intestines  run  down  in  condition,  become  very  thin 
and  lank,  back  is  arched,  eyes  dull,  refuse  feed, 
walk  stiffly,  and  appear  lifeless.  The  worms  may 
be  very  numerous,  in  bad  cases  completely  filling 
the  intestines.  The  pigs  die  if  not  treated.  To 
secure  the  best  results,  affected  hogs  should  re- 
ceive individual  treatment.  Twenty-four  hours  be- 
fore administering  treatment  very  little  feed  should 
be  given  them.  Then  give  the  following  medicine 
as  a  drench  to  each  100-pound  hog;  larger  or  smaller 
hogs  should  receive  a  dose  in  proportion :  4  table- 
spoonfuls  of  oil  of  turpentine,  one-half  teaspoonful 
of  liquor  ferri  dialysatus  and  6  ounces  of  raw  lin- 
seed oil.  If  necessary,  repeat  the  dose  in  four 
days. 


Index 


Page 

Abortion 101 

Abscesses 103 

Aconite 69 

Actinomycosis 104 

Afterbirth.    106 

Aloes 69 

Aium 69 

Animal  Body  a  Collection  of  Cells  1 1 

Animal  Body,  How  Poiined.  ...  9 

Animals,  Caring  for  Sick 99 

Animal  Diseases,    Lcam  to  Rec- 
ognize   4 

Animals,      Examining      in      the 

Stables 42 

Animals,  Out  of  Doors  Test 44 

Anthrax 108 

Antimony 71 

Apoplexy Ill 

Anemia 107 

Aniseed 70 

Arnica 70 

Arsenic 70 

Azotioria Ill 

Back 47 

Bandage,  How  to  Make  It 57 

Barrenness 113 

Belladonna 70 

Big  Head 113 

Big  Jaw  of  Cattle 114 

Big  Knee 114 

Big  Leg 114 

Bile 26 

Biniodide  of  Mcrciiry 71 

Bitter  Milk 114 

Blackhead    114 

Blackleg 115 

Blackleg  Vaccine 116 

Bladder 67 

Bladder,  Stone  in 117 

Blind  Staggers 117 

Blistering 98 

Bloating  in  Cattle 117 

Blood   12 

Blood  Poisoning 120 

Bloody  Milk 121 

Bloody  Urine 121 

Body 47 

Body  Tissues 12 

Eog  Spavin 122 

Bone  Spavin 1,''3 

Bot  Flies 123 

Bots    126 

Breeze  Flios 12^ 

Broken  Wind 126 

Bromide  of  Potassium 71 

Bronchitis    126 

Bruises,  Treating 60 

Bunches 128 


Pag» 

Bums 128 

Caked  Bag 128 

Caked  Udder 128 

Calculi  of  Urinary  Organs 140 

Calf   Cholera 128 

Calf  Scours 129 

Camphor 72 

Cancer 129 

Cantharidcs 72 

Capped  Elbow 130 

Capped  Hock 130 

Capped  Knee 131 

Carbolic  Acid 72 

Castration    131 

Catarrh 133 

Cattle  Scab 134 

Cattle,  Special  Type  in 44 

Caustic  Potash 74 

Cell  Division 10 

CeO,  Nature  of 9 

Cells,  What  They  Are 1 1 

Ccrcbro-Spinal  Meningitis 134 

Charbon   135 

Chest  Founder 135 

Chicken  Cholera 135 

Choking 136 

Chronic  Founder 165 

Cii-culation  of  Blood 28 

Coffin  Joint  Lameness 137 

Colds 137 

Colic 137 

Colic   Mixture 80 

Concretions 140 

Constipation    142 

Corns 142 

Corns,  Examine  for 49 

Cornstalk  Disease 143 

Corrosive  Sublimate 73 

Cough  Mixture 80 

Cow  Pox 1 44 

Cracked  Hoofs 144 

Cramp  Colic 14S 

Creolin 74 

Cribbing 144 

Crib  Suckers 145 

Croton  Oil 73 

Curb 145 

Diabetes 146 

Diarrhoea 147 

Difficult  Parturition 147 

Digestion  of  FooH 23 

Diriping  lyivc  Stock 147 

Disease,     Diagnosis    and    Treat- 
ment    92 

Disease  on  the  Farm 1 

Disease,  Physical  Examination  in  92 

Disease  duo  to  Heredity 84 

Diseas*  from  Chemical  Causes.  . .  84 


273 


274 


INDEX 


Page 

Disease,  Origin  of 86 

Disease,  The  Causes  of 83 

Disease,  The  Meaning  of 82 

Disease,  The  Course  of 87 

Disease,  The  Termination  of . . . .  89 

Disease,  The  Treatment  of 95 

Diseases  of  Farm  Animals 101 

Dishorning 148 

Disinfect  Frequently 5 

Disinfectants 6 

Distemper   148 

Dropsy 148 

Dysentery    150 

Dystokia 149 

Eczema 149 

Enteritis 151 

Epilepsy 151 

Epizootic 151 

Ergotism    . . .  .' 151 

Erysipelas    152 

Examining  Animals 39 

Farcy 153 

Feet    17 

Fever    153 

Firing 98 

Fistula 154 

Fits 157 

Flatulent  Colic .' 157 

Pleas 157 

FJies^ 157 

flutes,  Liver 158 

ElyBlister 80 

Foot  and  Mouth  Disease 158 

Foot  Punctijrc 160 

Foot  Rot  in  Sheep 160 

Fore  Legs 48 

Founder 162 

Fowl  Cholera 165 

Framework  of  the  Body 13 

Front  Feet 48 

Gapes 165 

Garget 166 

Gastric  Juice 25 

Gastritis 166 

Gentian    75 

Germs 85 

Gid  in  Sheep 166 

Ginger 75 

Glanders 167 

Gravel  or  Dirt  in  Foot 174 

Grease  Heel 175 

Grub  in  the  Head 176 

Hair    13 

Hair  Balls 177 

Heart,  How  it  V/orks 31 

Heat  Exhaustion 178 

Heaves 177 

Hernia    179 

Hide-Bound 181 

High  Blowing 181 

Hind  Feet 49 

Hind  Legs 49 

Hip  Joint  Lameness 181 

Hipped 182 

Hog  Cholera 182 

Hollow  Horn 193 


Pag» 

Hoof  Cracks 194 

Hoof  Ointment 80 

Horn  Fly 194 

Horses,  Special  Type  in 40 

Hoven 194 

Hydrocephalus   194 

Hydrophobia 194 

Hydrothorax 19S 

Hyposulphite  of  Soda IS 

Impaction  of  Rumen 195 

Indigestion 196 

Infectious  Anemia  in  Horses.  . . .  197 

Infectious  Pneumonia 197 

Inflammation  of  the  Bowels 197 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs 199 

Influenza   200 

Inoculation    86 

Internal  Organs 65 

Intestinal  Worms  in  Horses 201 

Intestinal  Worms  in  Sheep 251 

Intestines 66 

Iodide  of  Potassium 76 

Iodine 76 

Itch 202 

Jaundice 202 

Kidneys 67 

Kidney  Worms 204 

Knee  Sprung 205 

Lameness,  Examine  for SO- 

Laminitis 205 

Laudanum 76 

Leg  Bones 17 

Leg  Wounds 61 

Lice 205 

Linseed  Oil 76 

Liver  Flukes 207 

Lockjaw 208 

Loco  Disease 212 

Lumpy  Jaw 213 

Lung  Fever 214 

Lungs 67 

Lungs,  Congestion  of 213 

Lung  Worms  in  Calves 214 

Lung  Worms  in  Lambs 214 

Lymph 12 

Lymphangitis    214 

Lymph  Through  Cells 29 

Mad  Dog 217 

Maggots 217 

Maggots  in  Wounds 61 

Mange 219 

Mastication    24 

Medicines 69 

Medicines,  Administration  of . . .  .  97 

Medicines,  Giving  in  a  Ball 97 

Medicines,  Giving  in  a  Drench.  .  .  97 

Mallenders 218 

Mammitis 218 

Milk   Fever 219 

Monday  Morning  Sickness 221 

Mouth,  Examining  the 46 

Muscular  System 19 

Mustard  Plasters 98 

Nasal  Gleet 221 

Navicular  Disease 222 

Neck 47 


INDEX 


275 


Page 

Neivous  System 19 

Nitrate  of  Potash 77 

Nitrate  of  Soda 77 

Nits 224 

Nodular  Disease  in  Sheep 224 

Nostril    45 

Nutriment,  How  Absorbed 27 

Nux  Vomica 77 

Obstetrics 22S 

Paces,  Testing  of 52 

Palisade  Worm 228 

Paralysis    229 

Parasites    230 

Parturient  Apoplexy 230 

Parturition,  Difficult 230 

Pelvic    Girdle IS 

Peritonitis    230 

Physic  Drench  for  Cattle 81 

Physic  Drench  for  Horses 81 

Physiology  You  Ought  to  Know     21 

Pink  Eye 231 

Placenta 232 

Plant  Bvdlding 21 

Plexirisy    233 

Pleuro-Pnevunonia   234 

Pneumonia 234 

Poll  Evil 234 

Post-Mortem  Examination 62 

Post-Mortem,  First  Things  to  Do  63 
Post-Mortem,  Removing  the  Skin  65 
Post-Mortem,  The  Discharges.  .  .      64 

Poultices    98 

Prescriptions 80 

Prevention  Better  than  Cure. ...       4 

Profuse  Staling 146 

Protoplasm    9 

Pulse,  Taking  the 93 

Nail  Punctures 59 

Quarantine  Quarters 8 

Quarter  Crack 235 

Qviittor 235 

Rabies 236 

Reproductive  Apparatus 20 

Respiration    32 

Respiration,  Taking  the 95 

Respiratory  Organs 20 

Rheumatism    236 

Ringbone 237 

Ringworm    > 238 

Roaring    239 

Roup 239 

Salts 79 

Sand  Crack 240 

Scab  in  Cattle 241 

Septic  Navel  Infection 243 

Sheep  Bots 243 

Sick  Animals 7 

Side  Bones 243 

Skeleton 14 

Skin    13 

Skull 15 

Slobbering 245 

Soothing  Ointment 80 


Page 
Soundness,    Examining    Animals 

for 39 

Spasmodic  Colic 245 

Spavin    245 

Spaying    247 

Spirits  of  Niter 78 

SpHnts    248 

Sprains 249 

Staggers 250 

Stomach 66 

Stomach  Chum 26 

Stomach  of  Horse 24 

Stomach  of  Rtuninants 25 

Stomach  Worms  in  Sheep 251 

Stone  in  Bladder 253 

Strangles 253 

Stringhalt  in  Horses 255 

Sugar  of  Lead 78 

Sulphate  of  Copper 78 

Sulphate  of  Iron 78 

Sulphur    79 

Sunstroke 255 

Swamp  Fever 255 

Sweeny 257 

Swine  Plague 258 

Tape  Worms 258 

Teeth,  As  an  Indication  of  Age .  .      34 
Teeth,  Loosening  of  Temporary.  .      35 

Teeth  of  Cattle 37 

Teeth  of  Sheep 38 

Temperature,  Taking  the 94 

Tetanus    258 

Texas  Fever 258 

Thick  Leg 262 

Thoroughpin 262 

Throat    47 

Thrush 262 

Thumps    262 

Tick  Fever 263 

Tissues,  Body 12 

Tooth,  The  Mark  in 35 

Trichinosis 263 

Tuberculosis 264 

Tumors 268 

Tumors  in  Pigs  After  Castratiom.    268 

Turpentine 79 

Urinary  Organs 20 

Warbles 269 

Warts 269 

Water  in  the  Brain 270 

Water  in  the  Chest 270 

White  Scottrs  of  Calves 270 

Wind  Puffs 271 

Wind  Sucking 272 

Wind,  Testing  the 51 

Worms 272 

Worms  in  Hogs 272 

Wound,  Cleansing  the 56 

Wounds 54 

Wounds,  First  Step  in  Treating.  .      56 

Wounds,  Kinds  of 55 

Wounds,  Special  Treatment  of .  .      Si 


THE  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

Santa  Barbara 


1 


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